§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy in respect of the provision of ships for the British amphibious capability; and when it is expected that orders will be placed for one or more new landing platform docks.
§ Mr. AitkenThe Government have made it clear in the past, including in the recently published "Statement on the Defence Estimates", that they recognise the importance of an effective amphibious capabililty, and are currently making a sizeable investment in this area as a result. Progress continues on the design and construction of the landing platform helicopter, which we ordered last May. Responses to the invitation to tender for the ship life extension programme for the first of the three older landing ships logistics, RFA Sir Bedivere, are currently being evaluated. The project definition studies for the landing platform dock replacement—LPD(R)—have now been completed, and the results are being examined. We hope to be in a position to make a decision on the issue of an invitation to tender for the design and build of the first of class—LPD(R)01—later this year. Subject to the successful outcome of the competition, we would expect an order to follow during the course of next year.