HC Deb 12 December 1997 vol 302 cc705-6W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what in the life expectancy of Type 23 frigates and Type 42 destroyers; and when the(a) first and (b) last of each class entered service with the Royal Navy. [20073]

Dr. Reid

The life expectancy of the Type 23 Frigates and Type 42 Destroyers is expected to be in the order of 25 years, although this will be kept under review. The first Type 23 Frigate, HMS Norfolk, entered service in 1989. HMS Portland, the final ship of the last batch, which is currently under construction at Yarrow Shipbuilders, is due to enter service in 2001. The first type 42 Destroyer to enter service was HMS Birmingham in 1976 and the last HMS Edinburgh in 1985.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the LPH HMS Ocean and the LPDs HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark have the capability to operate(a) Sea Harriers and (b) RAF Harrier GR7s. [20086]

Dr. Reid

Neither the Helicopter Carrier, HMS Ocean, nor the Amphibious Assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, will have the capability to operate Sea Harriers or RAF Harrier GR7S. HMS Ocean will be able to transport up to 20 of these aircraft but not to act as their operational base.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the advantages of replacing the use of frigates as West Indies guard ships or anti-drugs patrols with a smaller class of vessel. [20074]

Dr. Reid

The Strategic Defence Review is examining the whole range of Defence capabilities and activities, including the role of the West Indies' Guard Ship. Once all the work on the Review has been considered by Ministers, we will publish a White Paper setting out our overall conclusions.