Written Question · S3W-13453 · Session 3
What representations have been made to the UK Government on behalf of shipyards on the Lower Clyde in respect of awarding the contract for …
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the UK Government on behalf of shipyards on the Lower Clyde in respect of awarding the contract for construction of one or more of the Royal Navy MARS (Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability) vessels.
The answer
Scottish ministers have made a number of representations to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support on behalf of the Scottish shipbuilding industry in respect of construction of Royal Navy Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) vessels.
We understand the UK Government has now selected four companies to compete for the first class of MARS vessels (the Fleet Tankers contract). None of these companies have indicated to date that they would build the Fleet Tankers in the UK reflecting that capacity in the UK will be taken up with the recent aircraft carriers announcement. We will continue to make representations for Scottish shipbuilding in respect of future and further classes of MARS vessels.
We understand the UK Government has now selected four companies to compete for the first class of MARS vessels (the Fleet Tankers contract). None of these companies have indicated to date that they would build the Fleet Tankers in the UK reflecting that capacity in the UK will be taken up with the recent aircraft carriers announcement. We will continue to make representations for Scottish shipbuilding in respect of future and further classes of MARS vessels.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-13453 by reference.