Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 30 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 February 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 11 February 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 10th January 2002 at 377 c961W, on the Warship Support Modernisation Project, whether an economic appraisal is being used to assess the value for money implication of the proposals; if value for money will be the overriding factor when he makes his decision; if the practice of comparing proposals on the basis of commercial implications is a new policy; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2002, Official Report, column 961W, on the Warship Support Modernisation Project, whether an economic appraisal is being used to assess the value for money implication of the proposals; if value for money will be the overriding factor when he makes his decision; if the practice of comparing proposals on the basis of commercial implications is a new policy; and if he will make a statement. [33368] Mr. Ingram: I confirm that an economic appraisal of the options has been carried out and that the decision on the way ahead will be made on the basis of best value for money. As part of that assessment, it is normal for all the implications of a decision, including the commercial implications, to be considered.

Secondary information