§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects to sign the contract with AWSR Shipping Ltd. for the provision of roll on/roll off ferries under the PFI; [50884]
(2) what assumption was made by his Department regarding (a) the provision of financial guarantees and (b) the ability of the preferred bidder to sign contracts by a specified date for the roll on/roll off ferries; [50886]
(3) what representations were made to his Department by (a) the Scottish Office, (b) the Scottish Executive, (c) the Northern Ireland Office and (d) One NE prior to the awarding of the roll on/roll off contracts; [50894]
(4) what the evaluation criteria were in the selection of the preferred bidder for the roll on/roll offs; [50890]
(5) what are the reasons for the delay in completion of the contract with AWSR for the roll on/roll off ferries. [50885]
§ Dr. MoonieBids were assessed against the criteria of best value for money, having regard to price, delivery and quality. Tenderers were required to produce financial evidence of guarantees or other financing arrangements that underwrote their ability to sign a contract in a timely manner. Government Departments and regional and industrial bodies with a legitimate interest in the strategic sealift service competition were consulted at all stages. The complexity of the transaction has extended the negotiations but all major questions have been resolved and we foresee no significant obstacle to early signature.
§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects to transfer to AWSR Ltd. responsibilities for the two roll-on, roll-offs being built by Harland and Wolff; [50892]
(2) what period of notice will be given to the supplier of the roll-on roll-offs for the use of each of them; [50893]
(3) whether the Government's assumption from AWSR Ltd. of responsibility for purchase of the two roll-on roll-offs being built by Harland and Wolff counts towards the PSBR. [50891]
§ Dr. MoonieOn completion of the two ships being built by Harland and Wolff, due this financial year, AWSR will reimburse the Ministry of Defence and assume ownership. The overall effect on the Government's finances is therefore neutral. The period of notice for the six ships forming the strategic sealift service will be:260W
Ships Notice 1 5 days 3 10 days 1 20 days 1 30 days
§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Department's contract for Ro-Ro ferries has been signed; and if he will make a statement. [51134]
§ Dr. MoonieWe foresee no significant obstacles to early signature. Negotiation of the terms of a 20-year service has inevitably been complex and changes in the commercial shipping environment since the events of 11 September 2001 have had to be factored in. We have, however, at the same time, been able to take advantage of policies developed in recent years as set out in "British Shipping Charting a New Course" and elsewhere.