HC Deb 19 January 1995 vol 252 c686W
Mr. Nicholas Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the naval procurement programme for 1995 to 1997.

Mr. Freeman

The naval procurement programme includes the continuation of the Trident programmes, a helicopter carrier, EH101 Merlin ASW helicopters, further type 23 frigates, Sandown class single role minehunters, and Sea Harrier F/A2s, the upgrading of Lynx mark 3 helicopters to mark 8 standard and the purchase of Spearfish torpedoes. We also remain fully involved in the common new generation frigate programme, Project Horizon. In addition, we have issued invitations to tender for replacement LPDs, batch 2 Trafalgar class submarines, an oceanographic survey vessel and another batch of type 23 frigates.

Mr. Nicholas Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards ensuring competition in naval procurement.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon Member for Ayr (Mr. Gallie) on 22 November 1994,Official Reportcolumn 134.