HC Deb 03 July 1998 vol 315 cc310-1W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 June 1998,Official Report, columns 265–66, which organisation will own the Grob 115D aircraft fleet at the end of the 10 year contract; and if this is in accordance with conventional procurement practice. [48042]

Dr. Reid

The purpose of the Royal Air Force Light Aircraft Flying Task contract is to procure a service, including flying hours in aircraft provided by the contractor. The proposed contract is a Private Finance Initiative and, as is normal with such contracts, ownership of assets, in this case Grob 115D aircraft, will not rest with my Department. Ownership at the end of the contract period will depend upon the arrangements made by the contractor with his financial backer.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 June 1998,Official Report, columns 265–66, what proposals he has to dispose of the Bulldog trainer aircraft; and which department will receive the proceeds. [48041]

Dr. Reid

The RAF's Light Aircraft Flying Task contract will have a planned two year phase-in period during which existing Bulldog aircraft will be replaced by the Grob 115D. Disposal of surplus Bulldog aircraft will be organised by the Ministry of Defence's Disposal Sales Agency with a view to maximising receipts which will accrue to my Department.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 June 1998,Official Report, columns 265–66, what incentives will be offered to the successful bidder to replace the RAF's Bulldog trainer aircraft to ensure the RAF receives a high-quality service. [48043]

Dr. Reid

Final negotiations with the preferred bidder are still underway but payments under the resulting contract will be dependent upon delivery of the required level of service.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 June 1998,Official Report, columns 265–66, what weighting was given to the impact on UK industry and employment in his decision on the award of the contract to replace the Bulldog trainer aircraft. [48039]

Dr. Reid

The impact of our decision on UK industry and employment was carefully considered and balanced against a number of factors, including cost and suitability of aircraft for our requirement.