HC Deb 11 July 2000 vol 353 cc445-6W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what his Department's plans are for the incremental acquisition of new equipment on to the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement; [128711]

(2) how the Active Search Sonobuoy System will be capable of discriminating real submarine targets from false acoustic alarms; and if he will make a statement; [128709]

(3) how long the procurement of the Active Search Sonobuoy System will take; and if he will make a statement. [128710]

Dr. Moonie

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

The Ministry of Defence keeps British shipbuilding capabilities and capacity under regular review, in consultation with other Government Departments, Trade Unions and representatives of the shipbuilding industry.UK Shipbuilding yards play a crucial role in supplying warships and major vessels to the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. As you are no doubt aware, the Strategic Defence Review announced a considerable commitment to the UK Shipbuilding Industry over the next 15–20 years; through major ship programmes, including the Future Aircraft Carrier, the Type 45 Destroyers and the Future Surface Combatant. These programmes provide a secure long-term platform for the UK Shipbuilding Industry to increase its efficiency and effectiveness.