§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what(a) detailed and (b) major changes his Department has sought to make to the design of ships under the Auxiliary Oiler contract; what was the cost to the Ministry of Defence of such changes; and what measures have been taken to ensure that costs do not escalate on the contract; [2850]
(2) whether the Auxiliary Oiler contract is running to the agreed tender price; and if he will make a statement; [2857]
(3) if the Auxiliary Oiler contract is on schedule; and if he will make a statement. [2856]
§ Mr. SpellarThe MOD has not sought any detailed or major design changes to the vessels to be procured under the Auxiliary Oiler (AO) contract. The Prime Contractor, VSEL, is designing the vessel to the agreed contract specification and price. The AO contract is currently on schedule and to cost.