§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that the recent order for additional Kingfisher class patrol vessels will adequately meet the requirements for fishery and oil rig protection.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe Bird class is not designed for oil rig protection. The first of class, HMS "Kingfisher", is currently undergoing trials in the fishery protection rôle. Three more vessels are under construction. No new order has been placed since November 1972.