HC Deb 23 January 1997 vol 288 c689W
Mr. Mans

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy for securing value for money in the support of RAF aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [12920]

Mr. Arbuthnot

In defence procurement generally, our policy is to obtain equipment and services from the supplier providing the best value for money, taking all relevant factors into account. We apply that policy in the support of in-service aircraft. As an example of this, and following two keen competitions, it is our intention to award two contracts which will provide component repair and maintenance support to the RAF's TriStar fleet for the next five years: We intend to award a contract for component repair to Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Ltd. and one for aircraft maintenance to the Gulf Aircraft maintenance company, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of contractual negotiations.