§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the criteria for selecting names for new ships of the Royal Navy. [13701]
§ Mr. SpellarProposals for ships names for both the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are initiated by the Admiralty Ships Names and Badges Committee which takes into consideration a number of criteria, including the promotion of links with communities, the 113W geographical spread of names and opportunities to revive those with an honourable history. Selected names are submitted, through the Controller of the Navy and the First Sea Lord, to the Secretary of State for approval. In the case of major vessels, final approval is sought from HM The Queen.