§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the annual financial savings from a decision to dispose of a Type 23 frigate. [111320]
§ Mr. IngramThere are currently no plans to dispose of any Royal Navy Type 23 frigates earlier than scheduled. The annual financial savings arising from a decision to dispose of a Type 23 frigate prematurely would vary according to the circumstances. An Investment Appraisal would be conducted, including an examination of the resource accounting implications (eg depreciation, cost of capital charges etc.). Any decision, however, would be dependent on the Royal Navy's ability to maintain the required level of capability to meet its current and contingent operational requirements.