Destroyers and Frigates

HC Deb 26 July 1988 vol 138 c218W

35. Mr. Douglas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current numbers of destroyers and frigates available for operational purposes in the Royal Navy.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Following HMS Coventry joining the fleet earlier this month, there are currently 48 destroyers and frigates in service with the Royal Navy, of which 41 are available for operational deployment immediately or within a short period.