§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects an announcement to be made by the Kuwaiti Government in respect of orders for United Kingdom ships; and what size and type of vessel is involved.
§ Mr. AitkenI have been asked to reply.
The Kuwaiti Government is currently considering bids for eight 42m fast patrol boats from British, French and German shipyards. Vosper Thornycroft are a leading contender.
I am unwilling to speculate when an announcement is likely to be made as the Kuwaiti Minister of Defence has recently stated that the bids are still under consideration.