§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he will make a decision on which shipyards will build the two type 22 and type 23 frigates.
§ Mr. LeeAn order was placed on 29 October with Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd. for the first of class of the Royal Navy's type 23 frigate which will be called HMS Norfolk. These vessels will be known as the Duke class.
I announced on 24 July at columns 814–15, a new round of tendering for the type 22 frigates Nos. 13 and 14. Tenders have been received from Cammell Laird, Swan Hunter and Vosper Thornycroft. These are being considered and I hope to announce the orders before the end of the year.