Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What will be the monthly savings from replacing the RAF's 30 year-old Bulldog trainer under the proposed Light Aircraft Flying Task contract; and when a procurement decision will be made. [HL1934]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)We have sought "best and final offers" from the shortlisted bidders and their responses were due back on 20 May 1998. A decision will be made on the preferred bidder and choice of aircraft as soon as possible after evaluation of final bids. The anticipated level of monthly savings is sensitive at this stage of negotiations and I am, therefore, withholding this information under Exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Details of savings will be released when contract negotiations have been completed.