§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the criteria to be used in the placing of a contract for the replacement maritime patrol aircraft. [32655]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe contract for the replacement maritime patrol aircraft—RMPA—will be measured against criteria that will offer the best value for money. Many factors will influence the decision including: performance, reliability, commonality with equipment already in service and the cost of operating and maintaining equipment through its expected life. A combined operational effectiveness and investment appraisal exercise is one of the tools which has been employed in determining the best value for money.
The RMPA decision will take account of the benefits that come from having a strong indigenous defence industry and, in that respect, due weight will be given to industrial capabilities which the UK has an interest in retaining in order to support the equipment we procure. Industrial participation proposals have been sought from the prime contractors and, where foreign contractors are employed, due account will be taken of the nature and cost of the work put back into United Kingdom industry.