Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 5 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 June 2000. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 15 June 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total cost to his Department was of the supply of 226 LH-40C hand-held laser range-finders to the Army; how many units have been purchased; which companies bid for this contract; if the bid by the Eloptro Division of Denel Company was the lowest; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost to his Department was of the supply of 226 LH-40C hand-held laser range-finders to the Army; how many units have been purchased; which companies bid for this contract; if the bid by the Eloptro Division of Denel company was the lowest; and if he will make a statement. [124883] Dr. Moonie: The total cost to the Department, including three years support, is in the region of £2 million, but the details are a matter of commercial confidentiality. Bids were received from four companies in November 1999: Eloptro, a division of Denel; Leica Geosystems Ltd.; Litton Laser Systems; and Simrad Optronics Ltd. Following a detailed technical evaluation including extensive trials of all candidate equipment only Eloptro provided a compliant tender and this, therefore, was the lowest acceptable bid. A contract for the supply and support of the 226 systems was awarded to Eloptro on 23 March 2000. The unsuccessful companies have been given the opportunity for a formal de-brief and, while all have indicated that they wish to take up this offer, only Leica have done so to date.

Secondary information