§ Mr. Bagierasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the placing of an order with British Shibuilders for a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation fleet supply ship; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe hon. Member is presumably referring to the British Shipbuilders' design fleet support king 20/20. This design has been studied by the Ministry of Defence with interest, as are any new equipment proposals put forward by industry.
The Royal Navy does not at present have a requirement for a new vessel of this type. However, should a requirement for such a vessel arise, it would be the MOD's intention to seek competitive tenders from all United Kingdom shipyards capable of its design and construction.