§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to dispose of Type 23 frigates; and what discussions he has had with foreign Governments in respect of their future disposal. [52894]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 26 April 2002]: On current plans our Type 23 frigates will remain in service until around the middle of the next decade from which point they will be progressively withdrawn. No substantive or detailed discussions over Type 23 disposals have taken place with any potential foreign Government buyer.