HC Deb 01 February 2002 vol 379 cc592-3W
Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the ability of the Royal Navy to meet its commitments when HMS Sheffield goes into reserve in 2003. [30788]

Mr. Ingram

The placing of HMS Sheffield at extended readiness will not prevent the Royal Navy from meeting its commitments.

Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to replace HMS Coventry. [30790]

Mr. Ingram

The decision to withdraw the Batch 2 Type 22 frigate HMS Coventry from service on 31 December 2001 was part of the reduction in overall numbers of frigates and destroyers presaged by the Strategic Defence Review. There are no plans for a direct replacement, but HMS St. Albans, the final Type 23 frigate, which has considerably superior general purpose capabilities, has been accepted from the builders and is currently conducting sea trials as she prepares for full operational service later this year.

Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the fleet has been reduced to 31 ships. [30789]

Mr. Ingram

The fleet has not been reduced to 31 ships. There are currently 36 major surface ships in service with the Royal Navy. This figure excludes submarines, mine counter-measures vessels, survey ships, patrol craft and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.