§ Mr. BaconTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many invitations to tender have been made to Farrow System Ltd. in relation to the cleaning of(a) Royal Navy vessels and (b) glass-fibre reinforced materials in Royal Navy vessels since completing work on HMS Quorn and on the orlop deck of HMS Victory; [101625]
(2) how much has been spent on surface cleaning of (a) Royal Navy vessels and (b) glass-fibre reinforced materials in Royal Navy vessels since 2nd February 2000; [101624]
(3) if he will make a statement on the application of public procurement procedures in inviting tenders for the surface cleaning of glass-fibre reinforced materials in Royal Navy vessels. [101623]
§ Mr. IngramCleaning of Royal Navy Vessels and glass-fibre reinforced materials in Royal Navy vessels is undertaken as part of larger packages of work carried out during a vessel's regular maintenance and refit period, known as Upkeep Periods, undertaken by one of the three dockyards at Devonport, Portsmouth and Rosyth. The Ministry of Defence would not, therefore, have issued invitations to tender for cleaning direct to Farrow Systems.
Upkeep Periods involve a whole range of work activity and to identify how much has been spent on the specific task of surface cleaning would involve disproportionate cost.
Invitations to tender for Upkeep Periods follow public procurement procedures; any work subcontracted out would be subject to the procurement procedures laid down by the company undertaking the Upkeep Period.