§ Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the United Kingdom's share of the 300 million deutchmarks contributed by certain North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries towards the purchase by the Portuguese Navy of three frigates from German shipyards; if any United Kingdom shipyards were considered for this contract; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeIn 1983 the British Government offered £5 million towards the purchase of United Kingdom equipment for the Portuguese frigate programme. We understand that the Portuguese will be taking a decision later this year on how they would wish to take up this offer, though a purchase of United Kingdom hulls has never been a serious option. We are hopeful that final negotiations on the detail of the programme will be speedily concluded to allow work to go ahead on this major enhancement to an important NATO Ally's naval capability.