Offshore Patrol Vessels

HC Deb 16 March 2001 vol 364 cc756-7W

Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to replace the Island Class offshore patrol vessels. [154524]

Dr. Moonie

I am 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 five existing 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.