§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 January 1998,Official Report, column 415, for what reasons Airbus has been invited to tender for the RAF's heavy lift requirements; and when the competition will commence for this project. [25624]
§ Mr. SpellarAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 31 July 1997,Official Report, column 466, we will join partners in issuing a request for proposals to Airbus Military Company for the future large aircraft. We are also inviting our partners to join us in seeking bids from other aircraft manufacturers. The request for proposals has been issued to Airbus, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Alenia and FLABEL on a provisional basis pending the formation of Airbus Military Company. We are still discussing with our partners when requests for proposals will be issued to other potential suppliers. A procurement decision will be made in the light of the conclusions of the Strategic Defence Review and responses to requests for proposals.