HC Deb 12 January 1993 vol 216 cc757-8
9. Mr. David Martin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many commissioned surface ships of the Royal Navy are based at Portsmouth.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There are 23 Royal Navy surface ships, including minor war vessels, base-ported at Portsmouth.

Mr. Martin

My right hon. Friend is aware of my concern to see the maximum number of ships based at Portsmouth, with the implications that that has for the provision of jobs for the fleet maintenance and repair organisation. May I thank him for receiving a delegation to discuss the organisation's future structure and seek his assurance that, before reaching final conclusions, he will take into account all representations made during the consultation period?

Mr. Hamilton

Yes. First, I commend my hon. Friend's tireless efforts to ensure that Portsmouth remains a substantial naval base—which it certainly will. It is a matter of great regret that we had to re-examine the whole question of our dockyard capability, and that that has led to the proposal to close the FMRO in Portsmouth. We shall look hard at all the representations made before reaching any conclusions and I am glad that we were able to extend the consultation period.

Mr. Foulkes

Does the Minister recall that on 24 November, in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline, West (Ms. Squire), he promised an announcement on dockyards and bases by the end of last year? As the continuing delay results in wild speculation from all quarters, and in great uncertainty and extreme concern among the work forces at both Rosyth and Devonport, will the Minister now accept that the dual site solution is the better one, not just for jobs in Scotland and the west country but for strategic reasons? Will he now bite the bullet and tell us that an announcement will be made quickly?

Mr. Hamilton

I apologise to the hon. Gentleman and to the House that it was not possible to make an announcement by the end of the year. Further representations were made on the viability of the dockyards and it was important to examine that information carefully before reaching any conclusions. I am rather reluctant to promise the hon. Gentleman another date, but I hope that we shall be able to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. Ward

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the surface ships belonging to the Royal Navy in Portsmouth will be joined at some date by two new amphibious assault ships which were promised during the previous Parliament? Can my right hon. Friend give us some idea when they are likely to be placed on order?

Mr. Hamilton

Yes, indeed. A project definition is being drawn up in connection with the replacement of both the amphibious assault ships, with the objective that we should go out to tender later this year.

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