Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the tendering process for the new solid support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

I have regular discussions with the Defence Secretary and other Cabinet colleagues on a number of matters.

The National Shipbuilding Strategy stated that all non-warships, including the Fleet Solid Support ships (FSS) will be competed internationally, confirming the pre-existing procurement strategy for the FSS. The Strategy had collective Government agreement prior to publication. The MOD is required by law to procure FSS through competition in accordance with its obligations under the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011 where there is no lawful exemption which can be applied. The MOD has actively encouraged UK shipyards to take part in the competition and we anticipate strong bids from UK shipyards.