§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence why HMS "Upton" has replaced HMS "Northumbria" as the Tyne-based Naval Reserve vessel; in what respects her construction and equipment differ from "Northumbria"; whether it is proposed to provide her with an enclosed bridge and if so when; and what is to become of "Northumbria".
§ Mr. JuddThe replacement follows the review of Royal Navy Reserve vessels which I mentioned in the debate on the Royal Navy on 9th July 1975.—[Vol. 895, c. 663–4.] It will not take place until HMS "Upton" has had a major refit next year. She will then be similar in construction—including an enclosed bridge—and equipment to HMS "Northumbria", which has not had a major refit and whose future is under consideration.