§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he estimates the first contract to build a Project Horizon frigate will be placed; [45846]
(2) what is his estimate of the overall cost of Project Horizon; [45845]
(3) how many Project Horizon frigates the United Kingdom will purchase; [45843]
(4) what is his estimate of the (a) delivery date and (b) in-service date of the first Project Horizon frigate. [45844]
§ Mr. SpellarThe contract for completion of the design and build of the three first of class Horizon frigates, i.e. one for each nation, UK, France and Italy, is expected to be placed next year. The total project cost is commercially confidential. It is currently expected that we will order 12 ships, but any decisions will, of course, be subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review. The current projected in service date of 2004 is subject to discussions and negotiations with industry.