HC Deb 11 November 1981 vol 12 cc91-2W
Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state by name or type the number of destroyers and frigates he expects to have in commission or in reserve, respectively, in 1984–85 in addition to HMS "Bristol", 14 Type 42, seven Type 22 and eight Type 21 together with eight Leanders in the standby squadron.

Mr. Blaker

No final decisions have yet been taken about the detailed shape of the surface fleet in 1984–85. By the mid–1980s, however, we expect to have in service about 50 destroyers and frigates, some 20 of which will be Leanders.