Harmonisation Project

Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 14 March 2011.

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Photo of David Ruffley David Ruffley Conservative, Bury St Edmunds 2:30, 14 March 2011

What progress his Department has made on the joint search and rescue harmonisation project; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Peter Luff Peter Luff The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport announced the cancellation of the previous procurement process on 8 February. The Department for Transport and the Ministry of Defence are now considering the potential procurement options to meet the future requirements for search and rescue helicopters in the United Kingdom. We will make a further announcement once a way forward has been agreed.

Photo of David Ruffley David Ruffley Conservative, Bury St Edmunds

I know that the Minister is aware of the great concern in the search and rescue service, particularly at Wattisham in my constituency. Does he agree that a private finance initiative route might not necessarily be the most cost-effective way forward in reforming such services?

Photo of Peter Luff Peter Luff The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

I am delighted to pay tribute to the strong and close interest that my hon. Friend has taken in this issue, not least because of his close constituency interest. I can confirm that we are beginning again with a blank sheet of paper. We have learned the lessons from the previous process, which has been so unfortunately terminated, and will look again at what is the correct procurement route. That will include a thorough review of whether PFI is right for this particular procurement.

Photo of Alan Beith Alan Beith Chair, Justice Committee, Chair, Liaison Committee (Commons), Chair, Liaison Committee (Commons), Chair, National Policy Statements Sub-Committee, Chair, Justice Committee

What is the mechanism for making the decision? Would it not make more sense if the Department for Transport acted as the purchaser and the MOD put forward a bid to continue the involvement of the RAF and the Navy in the provision of the service?

Photo of Peter Luff Peter Luff The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

I understand the interesting point that my right hon. Friend makes. The present intention is that current procurement arrangements should be stuck to, and I have every confidence that the defence, equipment and support organisation at Abbey Wood can do an excellent job of it this time.