BIRD CLASS PATROL VESSELS

HL Deb 16 March 1976 vol 369 cc210-1WA

Lord STRATHCONA and MOUNT ROYAL

asked Her Majesty's Government:

1. (a) what is the designated role of the Bird class patrol vessels;
2. (b) when they were ordered;
3. (c) what were the delivery dates and prices;
4. (d) when they are expected to be delivered and at what cost; and
5. (e) what is their speed, range and endurance.

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

The Bird class patrol craft are general purpose vessels designed for patrol and fishery protection tasks in United Kingdom coastal and inshore waters. An order for four was placed in late 1972. The first of the class, "HMS Kingfisher", was delivered last year, some 18 months later than originally planned. It is expected that the remaining three craft will be delivered during 1976 and 1977, some two years later than originally planned. Costs are still under negotiation. The patrol craft have a speed of some 18 to 20 knots, a range of 2,000 nautical miles, and an endurance of 10 days victualling stores.