§ Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to invite tenders for further type 23 frigates.
§ Mr. LeeTenders will be sought in the late summer for the third and fourth type 23 frigates. All United Kingdom shipyards capable of constructing frigates will be invited to bid.
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said on 28 January, Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Limited will at the same time also be invited to tender for the second type 23 frigate.