§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will announce the preferred bidder for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft; and when he expects final contracts to be signed. [40885]
§ Dr. MoonieOur current aim is to decide later this year whether PFI will provide the best value money procurement solution for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft project and, if so, which consortium is our preferred bidder. Contract signature is currently scheduled for 2003. However, the precise timing will depend on a range of factors, including the satisfactory conclusion of complex contract negotiations.