§ Ms SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's plans to procure four new roll-on roll-off container ships. [109391]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 14 February 2000]: 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.
208WLetter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Ms Rachel Squire, dated 29 February 2000:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Ministry of Defence's plans to procure four new roll on roll off container ships. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.The Strategic Defence Review confirmed the requirement for four ships in addition to two then in service. The Department is currently conducting a competition for this expanded sealift capability. As this is defined as a non-warlike requirement, the competition is being conducted under European and World Trade Organisation public procurement rules. As stated in the Department's press statement of 13 December 1999, a copy of which is enclosed, we plan to announce a single preferred bidder in late spring and to place a contract in July 2000.