HC Deb 04 March 1994 vol 238 cc943-4W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his intention to equip the landing platform dock replacements with close-in air defence systems; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

Pending the outcome of project definition studies for the landing platform dock replacement it is our current intention to equip the vessel with close-in air defence systems.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Brown), of 23 February,Official Report, column 217, which company has been awarded the contract for further project definition work on the command system for the landing platform dock.

Mr. Aitken

A contract has been placed with Ferranti International plc—in administrative receivership—for further project definition in respect of the command system for the landing platform dock—replacement.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his intention to purchase landing platform dock replacements with a smaller capability to accommodate troops; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

Project Definition studies for the landing platform dock—replacement—are still underway and are due to complete this spring. These studies are looking at, among other matters, the embarked force capability of the vessel.