§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to replace the Royal Navy's coastal survey vessels; which yards have been invited to tender for new vessels; when such tenders are due to be returned; what estimate he has made of the cost per ship; and when it is intended they will enter service. [21701]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIn addition to the ocean survey vessel, HMS Scott, which was ordered in January 1995, my Department is currently considering plans to procure further survey vessels. I expect to be in a position to initiate discussions with industry later this year with a view to inviting tenders for a competitive procurement284W around the end of the year leading to an order later in 1997. I am not in a position to release estimates of cost as this information is commercially sensitive.