Madam Chairman, I would like to know the minister's opinion on this. Earlier this evening one of the Liberal members made the comment that in procurement not only was the original capital cost of the procurement a concern nor should be looked at solely as the major concern, but also attention should be paid to the long term maintenance or carrying costs of an item. The example given was energy saving devices that cost more initially to procure but obviously operate on a less continuing cost.
I would like to know if the minister will be carrying that same thought forward when he is reviewing the maritime helicopter project, not just look at the helicopter project based on their performance, range, mission capability and safety but also on the follow up cost savings that would be inherent by having common helicopter frames, power and parts supply that would be a common product.
The new search and rescue helicopters are one particular airframe. Would it not be a sensible way to view that commonality of two airframes when viewing the tremendous purchase costs of the maritime helicopter project? Will he be entertaining those considerations too?