HC Deb 29 June 1982 vol 26 c275W
22. Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to reduce the vulnerability of the surface fleet.

23. Mr. Bill Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to improve the Royal Navy's ability to cope with surface skimming missiles and over-the-horizon low-flying hostile aircraft.

Mr. Pattie

As indicated in the foreword to the Defence White Paper (Cmnd. 8529) we shall be taking full account of the experience gained as a result of recent operations in the South Atlantic. In the meantime, plans are already in hand to fit all type 22 frigates on build or at refit with an improved version of the Sea Wolf missile system designed to enhance its low-level capabilities. HMS "Illustrious" has also been fitted with a close-in rapid fire gun system. A programme of improvements to passive defence systems is also in hand.