§ Mr. DixonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 19 November,Official Report, column 479, what criteria were used to determine that Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute was best qualified to conduct the Phase 2 survey of the MV Derbyshire; what was the role of the European Commission in making the decision; at what stage competitive tendering took place 566W or will take place for the work; which companies have been or will be invited to tender; and if he will make a statement. [7106]
§ Mr. BowisThe criterion was the ability to meet the specification for phase 2 of the project drawn up by the three technical assessors, having particular regard to the availability of, and experience of using, the appropriate photographic and sonar technology and the ability to manipulate and present the data recovered. Because of Woods Hole's unique capabilities and experience, which is not matched by any commercial party, it was appointed without a formal tendering exercise. A full assessment of worldwide capabilities in this area was undertaken and the decision to appoint Woods Hole was taken jointly by the Department and the European Commission.