HC Deb 30 November 1992 vol 215 cc62-3W
Mr. Nicholas Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Britain's two amphibious LPD assault ships play in NATO's rapid reaction capability; where the two ships HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid, are currently located; and how quickly they could respond as part of NATO's rapid reaction capability.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid form part of UK/NL Amphibious Force, which is primarily assigned to the defence of NATO's northern flank in Norway, but available for operations anywhere within the NATO area, including with the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps. Both are currently at Portsmouth. For operational reasons we do not disclose response times.

Mr. Nicholas Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to have completed the evaluation of tenders submitted in respect of the new LPH amphibious helicopter carrier; and when he expects to make a decision to procure the vessel.

Mr. Aitken

Evaluation of the tenders for the new LPH amphibious helicopter carrier, which were received in October, will be complete next summer and it is planned to place the order in the autumn of 1993.