§ 21. Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place the next batch of orders for type 23 frigates.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about frigate procurement and the likely needs of the Royal Navy in this field.
§ Mr. NeubertAs I informed the House during the Navy debate on 5 February, at column 657, we plan to invite tenders for a further batch of type 23 frigates towards the end of this year. A decision on the size and timing of an order will be made once tenders are submitted by shipyards.