HL Deb 16 March 2001 vol 623 c113WA
Lord Dubs

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to replace the ISLAND Class Offshore Patrol Vessels. [HL1256]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We are pleased to announce that, following a thorough tender evaluation, Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd have been selected as preferred bidder to provide an offshore patrol capability under a lease arrangement to replace the existing five ISLAND Class Offshore Patrol Vessels employed on patrol and fishery protection duties on behalf of MAFF. Subject to satisfactory conclusion of negotiations, we plan to be able to place the associated contract with Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd in April 2001.