HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 c39W
24. Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress on the procurement of new ships for the Royal Navy. [128441]

Mr. Ingram

The Ministry of Defence has embarked on the largest procurement programme of new ships for the Royal Navy in many years. There are currently some 10 projects at various stages of the procurement process. In the last three years, 15 new ships have been ordered, comprising six Type 45 destroyers, four Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary), two survey vessels and three offshore patrol vessels. Future plans include the purchase of two new aircraft carriers, further ASTUTE class submarines and Type 45 destroyers, the future surface combatant and a number of support vessels.