§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the number of destroyers and frigates required has apparently changed since the Strategic Defence Review was published. [HL5883]
§ Lord BachThe 1998 Strategic Defence Review stated the capabilities required for the UK Armed Forces to conduct their defence tasks and reached 109WA Conclusions on the number of destroyers and frigates required for those purposes at that time. Changes to the Type 23 frigates' operating patterns, and a more efficient maintenance regime, enable the Royal Navy to provide the required capability with fewer ships than was necessary in 1998.