§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will complete his evaluation of the bids by BAE for the construction of Type45 destroyers. [148672]
§ Mr. HoonThe prime contract with BAE Systems Electronics for the Demonstration and First of Class (DFM) phase of the Type 45 programme (covering the design and build of the first three ships) was placed on 20 December 2000. The procurement strategy remains as I announced it on 11 July 2000,Official Report, column 701.
633WOur evaluation of the unsolicited proposal from BAE Systems Marine for an alternative procurement strategy for this Programme is progressing separately and will include consultation with other interested Government Departments. We will reach a decision on this as soon as possible.