§ Mr. O'Neillasked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the value of the contracts to build a further three type 23 frigates.
§ Mr. LeeThe value of the contracts to build the next three type 23 frigates will depend upon the prices negotiated following receipt of tenders. As stated in Cmnd. 9430–1, the estimated unit cost of a type 23 frigate is £110 million at 1984–85 prices, including weapons and equipment fitted in the ship but excluding development costs.
§ Mr. O'Neillasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify the British shipbuilding companies which will be invited to tender for the next three type 23 frigates.
§ Mr. LeeAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said on 28 January, Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd. will be invited to tender for the second type 23 frigate.
It is intended to invite tenders for type 23 frigates 03 and 04 only from the United Kingdom shipyards with current experience of building destroyers and frigates for the Royal Navy: Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd., Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd., Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. and Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd. We would consider requests from other United Kingdom companies on their merits at the time.