Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what weighting has been put on exportability of the platform in the assessment criteria for the procurement of Type 31e frigates; and if he will make a statement.

Exportability is an essential facet of the bid assessment for the Type 31e frigates. It is taken into account in both the Exportability and Adaptability evaluation criteria. I cannot discuss specific criteria or their weightings at this time as to do so would be prejudicial to the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence but can assure the hon. Member that the exportability of bidders' designs is positively valued.