§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence what decisions have been taken regarding the strengthening of the hulls of existing Royal Navy ships; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeFollowing detailed studies into cracking in the type 21 frigate, it was decided in 1982 to strengthen 251W their hulls. The necessary work has been completed on four ships and is under way on a fifth. Work on the remaining ship will begin later this year.
Cracking in other ships, which has occurred from time to time for a variety of reasons, has been repaired as necessary, but this has not required hull strengthening.