§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when it was decided not to fit the surface ship command system in RFA Fort Victoria and RFA Fort George; why the decision was taken; what are the financial consequences; what adaptations are required as a result and at what cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenThe decision not to fit the previously intended surface ship command system to the AORs was taken during financial year 1992–93 following the decision not to fit the ships with the vertical launch Seawolf defence system. The latter decision means that a less sophisticated command system is now appropriate with a consequent saving to the defence budget. We do not expect any adaptations as a result of this decision.