§ 21. Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about present procurement plans for new surface ships for the Royal Navy. [30904]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotA number of new surface ships are planned. These include the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean; five type 23 frigates, seven Sandown class mine-hunters, and the survey vessel HMS Scott, all currently on order. In addition, we are in negotiations with VSEL over a contract for up to two assault ships; we continue to make good progress on the common new generation frigate; and we have issued an invitation to tender for up to two auxiliary oilers.