HC Deb 25 March 2002 vol 382 c549W
Mr. John Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the competition process for deep aviation repair work within his Department. [43805]

Mr. Ingram

I am satisfied that our acquisition strategy for aviation repair work is coherent, provides best value for money for the British taxpayer and ensures fair treatment for all competitors in this field. I therefore have no plans at present to review the competition process.

Mr. John Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) for what reason the Defence Aviation Repair Agency was not awarded the contract for Tornado rudder, air intake, windscreen and wing nibs under the Tornado Tiger Team; [43804]

(2) what assessment he has made of the process by which BAE Systems was selected to undertake Tornado rudder, air intake, windscreen and wing nibs within the Tornado Tiger Team. [43802]

Mr. Ingram

The intended support solution for the Tornado rudder, air intake, windscreen and wing nibs work, a prime contract with BAE Systems with the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) acting as repair sub-contractor, was developed by a joint team that included representation from the Defence Logistics Organisation, BAE Systems, HQ Strike Command and DARA. The process was fair and fully transparent to all those involved but in the event, DARA was unable to agree acceptable prices. The eventual prime contract, which was awarded to BAE Systems, represents best value-for-money and incentivises BAE Systems to manage sub-contract arrangements accordingly.