HL Deb 22 December 1982 vol 437 cc1169-70WA
The Earl of Kimberley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of the Secretary of State's declared future plans for building but not modernising the Royal Navy's escort force of destroyers and frigates, how many of these vessels will be on the naval strength (including those undergoing refit, but excluding those on the Disposal List) in 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000 in the following categories:

  1. (1) Under 10 years old;
  2. (2) Over 10 years old and modernised;
  3. (3) Over 10 years old but not modernised;
  4. (4) In unmodernised reserve.

Viscount Trenchard

In 1985 we currently expect a little less than half the destroyer/frigate force to be less than 10 years old and over three-quarters of the remainder to have undergone modernisation. Further ahead, details of the planned size and shape of the Fleet remain to be considered; but in accordance with the policy announced last year our aim is to update older ships to the maximum extent possible.