§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the management, technical and financial innovation, (b) the cost and quality, 36W (c) the value for money and (d) the competitiveness of the Cammell Laird component of the Maersk bid for ro-ro vessels. [133973]
§ Mr. HoonNo decision on the strategic sealift competition has as yet been made and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the bids at this stage of the competition.
§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the relationship between the partnership agreement between BAe systems and his Department on maintenance and repair work and orders for ro-ro vessels. [133942]
§ Dr. MoonieThere is no relationship between the orders for ro-ro vessels and the partnership agreements between the Department and BAe Systems for maintenance and repair work.
The vessels that provide the ro-ro service will be owned by a private company, who will also be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the vessels.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to announce the winner of the roll-on roll-off vessel competition; and if he will give the in-service date of the vessels. [133838]
§ Mr. HoonNo decision on the strategic sealift competition has as yet been made. I hope to make an announcement shortly. All six vessels are currently planned to be available by 2005.