§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's policy in respect of ensuring competition in tendering for large naval vessels among United Kingdom shipyards. [10647]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe Government remain committed to their policy of achieving best value for money for the defence budget, and aims to meet UK requirements through competition and open procurement from the UK shipbuilding industry. We believe that scope for competition exists for large naval vessels.