HC Deb 30 November 1993 vol 233 cc520-1W
Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State. for Defence on what grounds foreign-built hulls were permitted as part of the last invitation for Sandown class single role minehunters; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

The last competition for Sandown class single role minehunters in 1990 permitted prime contractors to include foreign-built hulls in their bids to ensure as wide a competition as possible in order to maximise value for money for the defence budget and the taxpayer.

Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his intention to permit foreign-built hulls in the forthcoming tender for a further batch of Sandown class minehunters; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

We expect to make an announcement on future orders for the Sandown class shortly.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's minehunting capability.

Mr. Hanley

The Government are committed to retaining a capable and effective mine countermeasure fleet. We therefore intend to continue over the next decade with our modernisation programme, which will entail the procurement of further Sandown class single-role minehunters and a mid-life update for the Hunt class. The 1993 Statement on the Defence Estimates makes clear our intention to build up to a fleet of 25 of these highly capable vessels. We expect to make an announcement on future orders for the Sandown class shortly.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to issue an invitation to tender for a further batch of minehunters.

Mr. Aitken

We expect to make an announcement on future orders for the Sandown class shortly.