§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's minehunting capability.
§ Mr. HanleyThe 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. The 1993 statement on the Defence Estimates makes clear our intention to build up to a fleet of 25 of these highly capable vessels. We expect to make an announcement on future orders for the Sandown class shortly.