Royal Navy Vessels (Hansard, 25 July 2000)

§ Dr. Moonie

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

543W

Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 25 July 2000: I am replying to your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about the number of Royal Navy vessels under construction. this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. There are currently ten major Royal Navy vessels under construction. Three ASTUTE class submarines and two Landing Platform Docking (Replacement) vessels are being assembled at BAE SYSTEMS Marine yard at Barrow. The last two vessels of the Type 23 Class of Frigates are being fitted out at BAE SYSTEMS Marine yard at Scotstoun on the Clyde. Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd (VT) is finishing construction of one and fitting out a further two Single Role Minehunters at its yard in Southampton. As well as these Royal Navy vessels BAE SYSTEMS Marine at Barrow are also constructing the first Auxiliary Oiler for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary whilst the second of class is being built at BAE SYSTEMS Marine leased yard at Govan. The Allsa Troon yard in Ayrshire is currently involved in the build of the second prototype Landing Craft Utility as part of an order for ten such vessels to be carried on the Landing Platform Docking Replacement. There is also a variety of small boats such as rigid inflatables being constructed/procured for the Royal Navy and the other services. As well as the above, the Government has been able to announce recently details of orders for several new Royal Navy vessels. Appledore Shipbuilders in North Devon will be constructing two new Survey Vessels under sub-contract from VT with fabrication starting later this year. On 11 July the Secretary of State for Defence announced that orders for three new Type 45 Destroyers would be placed later this year, the first and third being assembled by BAE SYSTEMS Marine and the second by VT. Further orders are expected later this year for two Alternative Landing Ship Logistics, to be manned by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.