HC Deb 19 June 2000 vol 352 cc29-31W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what development work is currently being carried out by the Defence Clothing and Textile Agency on new glove designs for the armed forces. [126212]

Mr. Spellar

Development work is being carried out by the Research and Technology Group of DCTA, on four different Glove Designs, as followsNBC Protective Outer Glove Mk5 A new glove is being developed to replace the current black rubber NBC Glove Mk2. The new design will give similar protection from chemical warfare agents, but will be thinner and less restrictive in fine handling tasks. Made from synthetic elastomers, it will also be flame-retardant and capable of being coloured. The Mk5 handwear is expected to enter service in 2003. Gloves, Gauntlet (Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment) One new Gauntlet being developed to replace two Gauntlets at present in service. It will be a combined pattern of the present gloves, and will rationalise the present materials employed. Gloves, Combat Mk11 The present in-service glove is a complicated construction, made up of many components. It is difficult to make and is believed to be over specified for the use to which it is put. Trials of new designs, materials and constructions are underway, together with trials of several other gloves for comparative purposes. Male and Female Parade Dress Gloves At present, there are least 12 to 14 types of parade gloves in Black, Brown and White. It is hoped these can be reduced to two basic styles in Black, Brown and White by rationalising patterns, materials and fastening systems.

Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which companies, and from which countries, submitted bids for the contract for the Mark II Combat glove; [126216]

  1. (2) for what reasons Feuchter was awarded the contract to supply the Mark II Combat glove; [126209]
  2. (3) what is the value of the contract to supply the armed forces with the Mark II Combat glove; how many pairs have been ordered; and from which companies; [126215]
  3. (4) what visits personnel from his Department made to foreign factories and manufacturing outlets during the process of awarding contracts for the Mark II Combat glove; [126213]
  4. (5) what representations he has received about the quality and fit of the Mark II Combat glove. [126211]
Mr. Spellar

The current DCTA contract awarded to Feuchter for the supply of the Mark II Combat glove was placed in November 1998 (reference: STIA/1279) following competitive tender action. Complaint bids were received for the subject contracts from the following companiesFeuchter Gmbh and Co KG, Bavaria, Germany Burfield and Co (Gloves) Ltd., Martock, Somerset, UK Vaughan Tapscott Gloves, Torrington, Devon, UK Southcombe Brothers Ltd., Stock-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset, UK DCTA's Quality of Product Support branch have made several visits to the companies tendering for the contracts for Mark II Combat gloves. During the period May 1997 to April 1999, a total of three visits were made to Zova, the sub-contractor used by Feuchter. One of these visits was specifically to scrutinise manufacturing processes for the Combat gloves. Records exist of visits to two other firms involved in the tendering process for these contracts: three visits have been made to Burfield and Co (Gloves) Ltd. since 1997, and two have been made to Southcombe Ltd.

The contract was split between the two lowest tenders: Feuchter Gmbh and Co KG for the quantity of 163,877 pairs, and Burfield and Co (Gloves) Ltd., for the quantity of 41,800 pairs. While Burfield submitted the cheapest priced offer, their tender had stated that they did not have the capacity to produce the full DCTA requirement in the timescale required. They were, however, given the contract for the maximum quantity which their tender had specified, which was the 41,800 pairs. As Feuchter had submitted the next lowest tender, and had stated that they had the capacity to meet DCTA's requirement, they were awarded the contract for the remainder of the requirement.

The total value of current contracts for the Mark II Combat gloves is £5,198,384. The breakdown of values and quantities is as follows: Feuchter Gmbh and Co KG Total value: £4,108,804 Quantity: 171,977 pairs (Contract ST1A 1279) Burfields and Co Total value: £1,089,580 Quantity: 48,300 pairs (Contract ST1A 1280) Both contracts included an option for supply of a further 7,500 pairs of Mark H Combat gloves (total 15,000 pairs) for delivery in Financial Year 2000–01 and therefore is a further option in the contracts for Financial Year 2001–02.

Although reports were received by DCTA of a little tightness of fit being experienced in the early stages of production of the Mark II Combat gloves, no items necessitated rejection or return to place of manufacture. The reporting of defective items is facilitated by Defect Reports, which are raised by users of products in the three Armed Services. There are no records of any Defect Reports having been received for the Mark II Combat glove.

Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment his Department makes of the past record and experience of clothing and textile manufacturers in competition for clothing contracts; and if he will make a statement; [126210]

(2) what account his Department takes of security of supply considerations when deciding to acquire clothing and textiles from foreign suppliers. [126214]

Mr. Spellar

DCTA have confirmed that full account is taken of Clothing and Textile manufacturers' past records and experience in terms of delivery, quality performance and price competitiveness, both at the time firms are considered for award of an Invitation to Tender and when considering competitive bids received.

As part of the procurement strategy for any clothing item, the overall risk assessment comprises many elements. The risks are managed as a series of processes, one of which includes a review of past performance of potential suppliers. All potential suppliers are subjected to the same consideration of providing evidence of operating an accredited quality system. This is usually satisfied through ISO 9000 registration. This risk reduction mechanism is used throughout the Ministry of Defence as part of the approved NACNOC policy.

In addition, in light of the Government's recent announcement of a 12 point plan for the UK Textile and Clothing Industry, I will be reviewing our current procurement policies.