HC Deb 11 February 2002 vol 380 c7W
37. Mr. Hepburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his procurement plans for naval ships. [31930]

Dr. Moonie

The Government are undertaking the largest programme of new warship building for many years. In the last 20 months the Ministry of Defence has placed orders or announced its intention to place orders for 15 new warships.

As to our future plans, we expect to purchase two new aircraft carriers and further Astute class submarines and type 45 destroyers. Our longer-term plans include the future surface combatant as well as a number of support vessels.

It remains our policy that all warships for the Royal Navy will be built in the United Kingdom, providing the UK shipbuilding industry with a solid platform of work opportunities.