§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received in the last six months on the mid-life of the Spearfish MoD O warshot heavyweight torpedoes; and what response he has made to suppliers concerning the performance of the torpedoes. [104110]
§ Mr. KilfoyleThis 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 Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock dated 11 January 2000:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what representations he has received in the last six months on the mid-life of the Spearfish MoD O warshot heavyweight torpedoes; and what response he has made to suppliers concerning the performance of the torpedoes. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.The main production contract for the supply of the Spearfish Mod O warshot torpedo was placed with GEC-Marconi Ltd (now part of BAe Systems) in December 1994 and deliveries commenced in June 1999. The performance of the torpedoes is being assessed via a series of in-water Production Qualification Trials (PQTs) designed to test discrete aspects of performance within the overall performance requirements of the contract.BAe Systems is also currently undertaking concept studies to provide support for the SPEARFISH Mod O Heavyweight Torpedo Mid-Life Update programme. No representations have been received from any other supplier about the Mid-Life Update programme.