HC Deb 25 June 2003 vol 407 cc889-90W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce the number of Type-23 Frigates; and if he will make a statement. [121204]

Mr. Ingram

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 June 2003,Official Report, column 1018W, to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin). There are currently no plans to reduce the number of Royal Navy Type-23 Frigates before the end of their scheduled service life around the middle of the next decade, from which point they will be progressively withdrawn.