§ Mr. DixonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many contractors were invited to tender for the phase 2 survey of the MV Derbyshire; how many contractors submitted tenders; what were the names of the contractors; what criteria were used to evaluate the tenders; and on what basis the contract was awarded to the Woods Hole institute. [4257]
§ Mr. BowisThe project managers and the technical assessors to the Department and the European Commission advised that the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is the organisation best qualified, in terms of photographic and sonar technology and experience, to meet the objectives of phase 2. In light of this advice the Department and the European Commission agreed that the work should be carried out by Woods Hole.
§ Mr. DixonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library copies of the specifications drafted for phases 1 and 2 of the survey of the MV Derbyshire. [4258]
§ Mr. BowisI have placed in the Library copies of the specification for phase 1 and of the latest specification for phase 2.
§ Mr. DixonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total cost of the phase 1 survey of the MV Derbyshire; and what is the estimated cost of the phase 2 survey. [4261]
§ Mr. BowisThe cost of the at sea element of the phase 1 survey was approximately £0.175 million. The at sea and post-return data processing elements of the phase 2 survey are expected to cost £1.75 million.
§ Mr. DixonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library the assessors' report of the phase 1 survey of the MV Derbyshire. [4260]
§ Mr. BowisI have placed in the Library the brief produced by the assessors on their return on the conduct and results of the phase 1 survey. Nothing further is being published but interested parties have had access to all the video material recorded during phase 1.