HC Deb 30 March 2000 vol 347 c209W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will place a contract for the Alternative Landing Ships Logistic Programme; and at which shipyard the work will be carried out. [116458]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 27 March 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.

Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Iain Duncan Smith, dated 30 March 2000: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Alternative Landing Ships Logistic (ALSL) Programme. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. An Invitation to Tender (ITT) has been prepared by the ALSL Integrated Project Team and on current plans will be issued to 5 UK Shipyards in late Spring 2000. Contract placement would occur in late 2000 on completion of tender assessment and final negotiations. The contract will be awarded to the shipyard that offers the highest confidence that they will provide the best whole life value for money.