Type 82 Destroyers

HC Deb 22 June 1966 vol 730 c553

6. Mr. Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to place orders for Type 82 destroyers; when he expects that these ships will start to come into service; and what their primary rôle will be.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I have nothing to add to what I told the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) on 9th March, and the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 27th April.

Mr. Atkins

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it to be satisfactory that he should delay so long after his announcement in February about ordering these ships? Has he gone to tender for these ships? Does he realise that every month he delays ordering them will add to the cost of £17 million, £18 million, £19 million or £20 million each?

Mr. Mallalieu

We have gone to tender and hope to place a contract in September.