HL Deb 23 February 2004 vol 658 cc5-6WA
Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When an announcement will be made concerning the preferred bidder for the Support Vehicle Project; and [HL1144]

What is the current forecast in-service date of the Support Vehicle Project. [HL1145]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)

An announcement on the preferred bidder will be made on completion of the evaluation of the further bids received. On current plans this is scheduled for later in the spring.

The current forecast in-service date is April 2007.

Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What will be the impact on the deployable operational capability of the Royal Air Force of delays in the Support Vehicle Project. [HL1146]

Lord Bach

Under the existing concept of operations, the delays in the Support Vehicle programme will have no significant impact on the deployable operational capability of the Royal Air Force.