HC Deb 21 October 1982 vol 29 cc193-4W
Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place a moratorium on all future ship disposals pending the presentation to Parliament of his new defence White Paper.

Mr. Blaker:

There are no plans to withdraw any RN or RFA ship from the active fleet before the publication of the forthcoming defence White Paper on the Falklands operation.

Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if e will list the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships that are, on present plans, to be disposed of during 1982 and 1983; and if he will give the date and form of disposal for each ship.

Mr. Blaker:

The ships from the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary that on current plans will be withdrawn from the active fleet during the period in question are set out in the following list. All are due to be withdrawn in 1983. HMS "Dido" has been sold to New Zealand and will be handed over in July 1983. HMS "Achilles" is planned to enter the standby squadron where she will remain declared to NATO. The precise dates and manner of disposal of other ships listed have yet to be finally decided and plans for their withdrawal from the active fleet are kept under review.

  • Royal Navy
  • "Gurkha"
  • "Tartar"
  • "Zulu"
  • "Londonderry"
  • "Berwick"
  • "Falmouth"
  • "Rhyl"
  • "Naiad"
  • "Dido"
  • "Achilles"
  • "Crofton"
  • "Woodlark"
  • Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  • "Stromness"