§ 29. Mr. Nicholas Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the future warship ordering programme for Swan Hunter's shipyard.
§ Mr. Norman LamontSwan Hunter Shipbuilders has tendered, in competition, for the first two auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels. The yard has been invited to negotiate for the second type 23 frigate—in accordance with the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 28 January 1985 at column 21—and has also been invited to compete with other United Kingdom yards for the third and fourth type 23 frigate orders. The precise timing and size of the orders has yet to be determined.