§ 72. Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the naval procurement programme.
§ Mr. SainsburySince 1979, the Government have ordered a total of 64 vessels at a cost in excess of £6 billion. The acceptance of HMS Trenchant, a Trafalgar class submarine, will bring the number of these vessels subsequently accepted into service to 40. The vessels currently under construction comprise two Trident submarines, two further Trafalgar class submarines and four conventional Upholder class submarines, as well as two type 22 and seven type 23 frigates, five of a new class of single role minehunters and two of a new class of auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels. The Government expect to invite tenders for a further batch of type 23 frigates and to order a third Trident submarine later this year. In addition, although orders are not envisaged for this year, tenders have already been invited for an aviation support ship, and we are in the process of evaluating the results of feasibility studies into the replacement of the capability currently provided by the assault ships Fearless and Intrepid.