HC Deb 29 March 1983 vol 40 cc174-5
12. Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to be able to announce the placing of further orders for new frigates for the Royal Navy.

Mr. Ian Stewart

It is our intention to place an order for the type 23 first of class next year. With regard to the batch III type 22 frigates, design work is well advanced at Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd. and we hope to go out to competitive tender for the fourth Falklands replacement ship shortly. We would then intend to place an order as soon as tenders have been evaluated.

Sir David Price

Is my hon. Friend aware that delay continues to cause anxiety, especially for the Vosper Thornycroft shipyard at Woolston? Is he aware that that shipyard has the best export record for naval ships in the whole of British Shipbuilders? If it does not soon receive an order for a metal hull it will be unable to fulfil its historic role as a lead yard supplying the Royal Navy.

Mr. Stewart

The order for a warship comes at a late stage in the procurement process. I do not accept my hon. Friend's comments about the delay. My right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State for Defence said in December that Vosper Thornycroft would be one of two shipyards that would be strong contenders for the fourth replacement frigate. It is for that yard to put in an irresistible tender if it wants the order.

Mr. Douglas

Can the Minister say at which yard the type 23 order will be placed? Is he aware that yards on the Clyde are running short of work? When equipment for the type 23 is being considered, will he have a voice and view about export orders being achieved, especially for the ESM equipment?

Mr. Stewart

It will be satisfactory if export orders can be obtained. We always take that important factor into account.

It is usual for contracts for ships such as the type 23 to be placed with the design yard, which, in this case, is Yarrow Shipbuilders.

Mr. Viggers

Is it the Government's policy to continue with the idea of having three designated warship builders as lead yards? If no order is placed soon with Vosper Thornycroft, it will not be possible for it to maintain its specialist design and construction team.

Mr. Stewart

Of course, I recognise both the merits and the needs of Vosper Thornycroft. But ultimately the choice of yard and the number of yards available for building warships are matters for British Shipbuilders and not the Ministry of Defence. The MOD is the major customer, and therefore has a major interest, but it does not take decisions on such matters.