§ 42. Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence how long the production of the lightweight Seawolf has been delayed by the uncertainty over the type of radar to be used; and what order he expects from the Netherlands if the Dutch radar is used.
§ Mr. PattieBefore taking decisions on the improved Seawolf programme we will have to take account of a number of factors, including the choice of lightweight tracker radar, the effects of the Defence Review on the shipfitting requirements and the current annual review of defence expenditure. It is not possible to say what delay has been caused by the fact that our detailed assessment of the two proposed tracker radars is taking longer than expected.
We are currently assessing the sales prospects for improved Seawolf and will take these into account in 358W reaching a decision on the choice of tracker. It would, however, be premature to speculate on individual sales possibilities.