§ 19. Mr. DouglasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress made in ordering the latest batch of type 23 frigates.
§ Mr. NeubertWe are currently evaluating and clarifying tenders received from Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd., Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd. and VSEL/Cammell Laird for the construction of up to four type 23 frigates. I would hope to announce the outcome of this competition by the end of the year.