§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 March 2001,Official Report, column 105W, on type 45 destroyers, if a contract has been placed with Vosper Thornycroft; and if he will make a further statement. [157749]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 24 April 2001]: No shipbuilding sub-contracts for the type 45 destroyer have yet been let by the prime contractor, BAE Systems Electronics. Under the procurement strategy I announced to the House in July last year for the type 45 programme, the prime contractor is working to a target of September 2001 for a commitment to Vosper Thornycroft.
§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford of 24 April 2001,Official Report, columns 232–33W, what lessons he has drawn from such ships. [159777]
§ Mr. HoonOur close co-operation with allies such as the United States in the development and operation of warships continues, particularly through visits and naval officer exchange postings. This type of co-operation will ensure that we continue to share best practice with our allies to mutual benefit.
There has been no significant direct read across between the Arleigh Burke class, which includes the USS Winston Churchill, and our more recent type 45 programme. Although similar in size to the Arleigh Burke class, the type 45 anti-air warfare destroyer, equipped with the principal anti-air missile system, offers, we believe, significant acquisition and through-life cost benefits over earlier generations of destroyers.