Royal Fleet Auxiliary (Hansard, 20 April 2000)

§ Mr. Hancock
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he will let the contracts for the two new Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships; what is his estimate of the cost of the contracts; and if he will make a statement; [118061]
(2) which British yards have tendered for the contract to build (a) one and (b) both of the new Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships; and if he will make a statement. [118058]

§ Dr. Moonie
This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Robert Warmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 20 April 2000: I am replying to your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about the procurement of two new Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. I assume that you are referring to the Alternative Landing Ships Logistic (ALSL) Programme. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of Defence Procurement Agency. Five UK shipyards have expressed an interest in the ALSL project and each is being invited to tender for their design and build. The five companies are:

Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd.

BAE SYSTEMS Marine Ltd.

Cammell Laird Shipyard

Harland and Wolff Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Ltd.

Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd.

The contract will be awarded to the shipyard that offers the best whole life value for money. An invitation to tender (ITT) was issued on 14 April. Contract placement for the design and build of two new ALSLs is planned to occur in late 2000. The estimated cost for the construction of the two vessels is £138M.

§ Mr. Hancock
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what foreign yards his Department has contacted with regard to the construction of the two new Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships; and if he will make a statement. [118660]

§ Dr. Moonie
This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Robert Warmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 20 April 2000: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the procurement of two new Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. I assume that you are referring to the Alternative Landing Ships Logistic (ALSLs) Programme. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. No foreign yards have been contacted about the construction of the two ALSLs. 640W ALSLs are classed as "warlike" and will be built in the UK. Five UK shipyards have expressed an interest in the ALSL project and have been invited to tender for design and build.