§ David CairnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future basing of Royal Navy ships and submarines and the future requirement for three naval bases. [66801]
§ Mr. IngramA joint Royal Navy/Warship Support Agency study team has recently completed a wide—ranging review of the base porting arrangements for Royal Navy warships and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries, and the infrastructure required to support them. Their recommendations have been endorsed by Ministers, and will be implemented subject to trade union consultation.
The three existing naval bases at Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde are able to provide sufficient capacity to support the ships and submarines that are in-service, on order or planned.
The future aircraft carrier—the CVF—will be based at HM naval base Portsmouth. While it should be possible to berth two CVFs in Portsmouth simultaneously, for military reasons this may not be desirable. Options are therefore being considered to make use of an occasional stand—by berth for the high—readiness CVF. Further work on the design, operating patterns and manning are needed before a final decision can be made, although initial indications who show that Southampton could provide such a facility if required.
233WAs has been previously announced on 26 June 2002, Official Report, column 908W the batches one and two of Astute Class submarines will be based at HM naval base Clyde, and the Trafalgar Class will remain at Devonport.
With regard to the remainder of the fleet, the T45 Destroyers will progressively replace the T42 Destroyers based at Portsmouth. The two new amphibious ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, will join HMS Ocean at Devonport creating an amphibious shipping centre of expertise. The current arrangements for the Vanguard Class nuclear powered ballistic missile Submarines, Frigates, Survey Ships and Minor War Vessels work well and will not be changed.