§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps were taken to ensure that the bidding process for contractors in respect of QinetiQ was conducted in accordance with his Department's rules; and if he will make a statement. [50680]
§ Dr. MoonieAn advert was placed in theFinancial Times (European edition) on 8 March 2002 seeking expressions of interest in becoming a strategic partner to QinetiQ in writing to UBS Warburg by 15 March 2002. Almost 40 parties expressed an interest and were forwarded a pre-qualification questionnaire for response by 28 March. 16 completed responses have been received and these are at present being assessed with the intention of selecting those parties to receive the information memorandum.