§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many destroyers and frigates were in commission, on trials, and in reserve or refitting in 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1981 and 1982, respectively.
§ Mr. BlakerWe do not hold the information in exactly the form requested for all the years in question. However, the following table details the numbers of destroyers and frigates over the period between 1960 and 1982 using the format employed in successive Statements on the Defence Estimates.
Destroyers and Frigates Operational, preparing for service, engaged in trials or training Undergoing long refit or conversion, on standby etc. 1960 74 78 1966* 71 25 1970 64 17 1975 60 10 1980 49 18 1981 51 10 1982† 55 5 Notes:
* No Strength of the Fleet table was published in the 1965 Statement on the Defence Estimates.
† Information brought up to date and includes one vessel under construction.