Written question asked by James Gray (Conservative) on Monday, 7 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 June 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 June 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assurances General Dynamics has given regarding the continuance of (a) Alvis plc's UK-based and (b) Alvis Hagglund's development and production programmes and capabilities; what light and medium armour capabilities are produced by General Dynamics Corporation and its subsidiaries; what discussions have been held with General Dynamics concerning Alvis plc's Future Rapid Effects System activities; and if he will make a statement on the defence implications of the Office of Fair Trading's investigation into the proposed takeover of Alvis plc by General Dynamics Corporation.

Answer: Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assurances General Dynamics has given regarding the continuance of (a) Alvis plc's UK-based and (b) Alvis Hagglund's development and production programmes and capabilities; [177780] (2) what light and medium armour capabilities are produced by General Dynamics Corporation and its subsidiaries; what discussions have been held with General Dynamics concerning Alvis plc's Future Rapid Effects System activities; and if he will make a statement on the defence implications of the Office of Fair Trading's investigation into the proposed takeover of Alvis plc by General Dynamics Corporation. [177892] Mr. Ingram: General Dynamics Corporation (GDC) and its subsidiaries produce a full suite of light and medium armour capabilities. Since the GDC offer to acquire Alvis plc was announced there have been several high-level discussions between the Ministry of Defence and GDC. These discussions covered both Alvis plc and the Future Rapid Effects System programme. On 3 June 2004 the Alvis plc Board recommended to its shareholders their acceptance of an offer from BAE Systems to acquire the company. GDC subsequently announced on 4 June 2004 that it would not revise its offer. The GDC offer for Alvis plc formally lapsed on 7 June 2004.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 422 c808W; 177780;177892
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Contracts Defence Defence equipment Armoured fighting vehicles Procurement Takeovers Future rapid effect system BAE Systems Alvis General Dynamics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk