To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Government plan to put the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability project out to EU tender. (178151)

The Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme consists of three classes of ships (Fleet Tanker, Fleet Solid Support and Joint Sea Based Logistic), which will carry fuel, stores and provide logistic support for maritime and expeditionary forces including the Future Carrier. MARS Fleet Tankers will be procured competitively and the design and build requirement was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union on 10 December 2007. No decisions have yet been made however, as to where the ships will finally be built. The procurement strategies for later ship classes in the MARS programme are still under development to ensure flexibility within the programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have taken place with staff at BAE Govan and Scotstoun about the procurement of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability project. (178152)

The Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) Integrated Project Team has ongoing dialogue with a number of key players in the shipbuilding industry, including BAE Systems. BAE Systems attended the MARS Industry day in November 2007 and has registered its interest in delivering the Fleet Tanker (FT) element of the MARS programme. Upon request, those interested in delivering the FT have been provided with a pre qualification questionnaire and, if returned, this will be evaluated during February and March 2008.

Procurement strategies for later ship classes in the MARS programme are still under development to ensure flexibility within the programme.