§ Mr. Bendallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to the time taken to construct the new Dutch 'S' type frigate; how long is taken to construct a similar British type of frigate; and what is the consequential difference in cost.
§ Mr. PattieThe type 22—Broadsword—class of frigate is the most similar type of vessel in Royal Navy264W service to the Dutch S—Kortenaer—class, although there are differences in their operational capabilities. The information requested on build times is as follows:
Build time in monthsfrom date of laying down of keel until date of commissioning. Ship No. Kortenaer Broadsword 01 42 51 02 49 49 03 55 50 04 56 * 05 48 † 06 50 ‡ * Keel laid down April 1978: not yet completed. † Keel laid November 1979: not yet completed. ‡ Keel laid June 1980: not yet completed. There is insufficient information on the shipbuilding costs of the Kortenaer class to permit a detailed comparison to be made.