HC Deb 03 November 1988 vol 139 cc732-3W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects that the frigate Penelope and the destroyer Southampton will be ready for service at sea; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury

HMS Penelope is currently being repaired in Southampton by Thew Engineering Ltd. which won the contract after competition, and is expected to return to active service in the early part of 1989. HMS Southampton is due to return from the Gulf shortly. No decisions have yet been taken on her repair, but the work may be combined with a scheduled refit. It is not therefore possible at this stage to forecast when she will be ready for sea.

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