§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those surface vessels of the Royal Navy which will need replacing in the next five years; and what the estimated replacement costs are. [8182]
§ Mr. SpellarOver the next five years, we plan to bring into service three type 23 frigates to replace two type 22 frigates, HMS Boxer and HMS Beaver, and one type 42 destroyer, HMS Birmingham. The value of the contract for these vessels is estimated at around £450 million. We will also bring into service two auxiliary oilers at the turn of the century. These vessels, for which the contract is worth around £200 million, will replace the aging 0 class fuel replenishment ships, RFA Olna and RFA Olwen. The two amphibious ships, HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid, will be replaced early next century by HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark; the value of the contract for these vessels is estimated at £450 million.
We are considering how to replace the capabilities currently provided by the survey vessels HMS Herald, HMS Roebuck, HMS Bulldog and HMS Beagle and by two of our landing ships logistic, RFA Sir Geraint and RFA Sir Percivale.
HMY Britannia will be decommissioned at the end of this year. The Government are currently considering the requirement for a replacement royal yacht and will announce their decision in due course.