§ 19. Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the proportion of defence procurement jobs in the contract allocation for the Nimrod aircraft which will be in Scotland. [34917]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotWe are currently assessing bids in response to an invitation to tender for a replacement for the Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft. All relevant factors, including employment considerations, are being taken into account. As yet, however, no final decision has been taken, and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to comment on the precise content of the bids.
§ 22. Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to upgrade the maritime patrol aircraft fleet; and if he will make a statement. [34920]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotA competition to find a replacement for the Nimrod was launched in January 1995. Three bids have been received and these are being assessed. Given that the competition has reached a very sensitive stage, I cannot comment in detail on any of the bids. I hope to make an announcement before the House rises for the summer recess.