Letter: MoD's new rules

Under the heading "Fears for Shipyards" (7 June) you report that: "Under EU Rules, defence contracts do not have to go out to open tender."

This will have changed by 21 August, the date by which the Ministry of Defence intends to have fulfilled Britain's obligation to put in place regulations implementing EU Directive 2009/81/EC on procurement "in the fields of defence and security".

Some ultra-sensitive requirements and components will remain outside the new rules. But most defence procurement, including warships, will be covered. The new rules will apply in the EU and other European Economic Area countries (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein).

James McLean

Blinkbonny Terrace

Edinburgh