§ Mr. James HillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the United Kingdom's minehunting capability; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he expects to achieve a flotilla of 25 mine counter measures vessels;
(3) when he expects to issue an invitation to tender for a further batch of Sandown minehunters.
§ Mr. AitkenThe Government are committed to retaining a capable and effective mine counter measures fleet. We therefore intend to continue over the next decade with our modernisation programme, which will entail the procurement of further Sandown class single-role minehunters and a mid-life update for the Hunt class. As we made clear in this year's Statement on the Defence Estimates, it is our intention to build up to a 25-strong fleet, consisting solely of highly capable Hunt and Sandown class vessels. The timing of this build-up will be dependent on the in-service dates of further Sandown class vessels. We expect to make an announcement on future orders for the Sandown class shortly.