§ Mr. SavidgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are planned for appointing the prime contractor for the Type 45 Anti-air Warfare Destroyer. [99742]
§ Mr. KilfoyleOur plans for the T45 Destroyer programme build on the work accomplished in the design definition phase of the tri-national Horizon frigate project and continuity of the UK contractor is an essential element for this. Marconi Electronic Systems has therefore been contracted to complete the next phase of the work on the T45 Destroyer. Under Smart Procurement principles this is known as the Preparation for Demonstration (PFD) phase and, subject to satisfactory progress, this will lead into the Demonstration and First of Class Manufacture phase.