HC Deb 06 November 1989 vol 159 c480W
Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy destroyers and frigates are currently permanently available to fulfil NATO roles.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

All Royal Navy destroyers and frigates are declared to NATO, although at varying levels of readiness and availability. Precise details are classified.

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many, and what type of, Royal Navy ships are regularly committed to patrolling the Gulf and Indian ocean area.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Thompson) on 18 July 1989 at column 79. We have no commitment to patrolling in the Indian ocean.