§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for (1) what reasons he is holding an international competition for a Mine Disposal System; [176775]
(2) what (a) research and (b) evaluation his Department has carried out on the Archerfish to decide whether it meets the requirements of the Royal Navy for its Mine Disposal System. [176776]
§ Mr. IngramThe requirement for the new single shot Mine Disposal System is subject to international competition in accordance with the Department's 603W Industrial Policy, which will ensure that the most effective system to meet the requirement is obtained, while obtaining value for money for the taxpayer.
Four proposals have been received from industry, including one for the Archerfish system, and criteria, including operational effectiveness, through life support, safety and commercial aspects are being considered as part of the research and evaluation process. Following initial marking of the proposals, artificial trials in a water tank will be carried out on each system. Those that are successful will then undergo final explosive trials and ship based evaluations before a final decision is made.