HC Deb 11 February 1986 vol 91 c770
8. Mr. Dixon

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the order of replacements for HMS Fearless and Intrepid.

Mr. Lee

In anticipation of the current specialist amphibious ships coming to the end of their useful lives in about the mid-1990s, we have, during the past year, been examining all the aspects of our future amphibious capability in relation to our overall defence needs. We expect to make a decision on our future amphibious capability later this year.

Mr. Dixon

As it has been reported that the joint chiefs of staff have recommended the complete replacement of these two vessels, why does the Minister not accept their advice and place these orders as early as possible, preferably on the River Tyne, where the shipyard workers are looking for work from this Government, bearing in mind the uncertainty about the type 23 and the royal fleet auxiliaries?

Mr. Lee

I have nothing to add to my reply in terms of timing. The obtaining of any future orders will be a matter of competition. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we are evaluating tenders from Swan Hunter in his constituency and from Harland and Wolff.

Mr. Allen McKay

How much of the surface fleet will the Government let go to keep Trident? How much of the manufacture and maintenance of Trident will be carried out by British manufacturers?

Mr. Lee

We have every intention of maintaining a fleet of about 50 escort vessels.

Mr. O'Neill

Given that the Government will have only a cash review and that it is not to be a fundamental review, how can the Minister give any assurances about the size of the fleet or, indeed, about the amphibious craft about which my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Mr. Dixon) asked him?

Mr. Lee

The hon. Gentleman and the House need only examine our naval expenditure since 1979 to know that we have a record of which to be proud. We shall not let the conventional Navy down.