§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what bids were submitted to provide maintenance and support services for the EJ200 engines for the Royal Air Force Eurofighters; what was the cost of these bids; what timescale was given; and if he will make a statement. [24155]
§ Mr. HoonThe prime contract for initial maintenance and support of Royal Air Force EJ200 engines was awarded to Rolls-Royce in November 2001 following a non-competitive tender. The initial contract is valued at approximately £12 million and will run until December 2003. Long-term support will be the subject of a subsequent contract employing a number of `Smart Acquisition' principles such as partnering and incentivisation to maximise through life value for money.