§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place a copy of his directorate of operational capability's latest report in the Library; if he will make a statement on the Royal Navy's capability to mount an amphibious operation equivalent to the Falklands campaign; and what immediate plans he has to order new amphibious assault ships or other vessels to improve that capability. [3745]
§ Mr. SoamesReports produced by my directorate of operational capability are classified documents, and constitute advice to Ministers. It is not our practice to place such documents in the Library of the House.
The Royal Navy retains the capability to conduct amphibious operations in support of our defence policy objectives. This capability is currently being enhanced by the acquisition of the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, which was launched earlier this year, and the refit of the landing ship logistic Sir Bedivere.
Negotiations are under way with VSEL on its tender to replace the amphibious ships HMS Fearless and Intrepid.