§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it remains his Department's policy to maintain around 35 warships; what consideration he has given to changing this policy; what consultations he has had with the Admiral of the Fleet on any change in the number of warships required for the Royal Navy; how many warships he estimates the United Kingdom will posses by 2000; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Royal Navy currently maintains a surface fleet of 97 commissioned vessels, including 36 destroyers and frigates. As set out in the last year's statement on the Defence Estimates, we continue to plan for a future force level of 35 destroyers and frigates from 1995.