HC Deb 13 June 1989 vol 154 c407W
Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to replace the six type 21 frigates which will be at least 20 years old by 1997.

Mr. Sainsbury

We have plans for sufficient orders of new type 23 frigates to ensure that the strength of the destroyer and frigate force remains at about 50 as older ships are progressively paid off in the next decade. No decisions have yet been taken on when the type 21 frigates will be paid off.