Written question asked by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 May 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria are used by the Warship Support Agency's Maritime Support Strategy element to assess support through life for major future naval equipment.

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are used by the Warship Support Agency's Maritime Support Strategy element to assess support through life for major future naval equipment. [173701] Mr. Ingram: The Maritime Support Strategy (MSS) is an integral part of the broader Defence Logistics Organisation's Support Solution Envelope. This stipulates the following principles, tailored for each project, against which through life support is assessed: coherence with wider defence strategies, structures, policies, plans and initiatives; coherence with related support programmes, existing and planned; demonstration of achievable, flexible and adaptable operational and through-life sustainability; and a cost-effective means of delivering optimised military capability or business benefits that offers value for money through life. The MSS provides further detailed information for the application of these principles within the maritime environment. In addition, the support proposal must be comprehensive, with a demonstrably acceptable level of risk.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 173701; 421 c1074W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Defence equipment Procurement Navy Warships Warship Support Agency
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk