§ 10. Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many frigates he proposes to build in the next four years; and what is the total number contemplated under the present defence plan.
§ Mr. HealeyOne Leander Class frigate was ordered in March, a second is being ordered from Devonport Dockyard, and a third will be ordered from a shipyard shortly. Our precise needs for frigates and the rate of building to meet these in the longer term remain to be settled in the light of our defence review decisions.
§ Dame Joan VickersWhen is the right hon. Gentleman likely to make a final decision? There is a need for these extra frigates and, as the dockyards are getting less and less work, will he see that they continue to have ships built in their yards?
§ Mr. HealeyOf course, I will see that there is a steady flow of work to the dockyards and I think that we have assured this by the decisions already announced. Any further decisions will be announced as soon as possible.
§ Mr. PowellAs the right hon. Gentleman apparently has a precise budget for the year 1969-70, why does he not know which ships will then be under construction and which in service?
§ Mr. HealeyFor the reasons which I gave last night and which the right hon. Gentleman patently failed to understand.