§ Mr. TynanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of defence-related ship building in the United Kingdom. [178588]
§ Mr. IngramThe Ministry of Defence has embarked on the largest procurement programme of new ships for the Royal Navy in many years, including orders for six Type 45 destroyers, three ASTUTE Class submarines and four Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary).
Future plans include the purchase of two new aircraft carriers, further orders of Type 45 destroyers and Astute Class submarines, and the progressive replacement of existing RFA vessels.
Looking further ahead, we expect to replace the capability provided by the Type 22 and 23 Frigates with the Future Surface Combatant.
It remains the policy of this Government that all warships for the Royal Navy, or vessels designated warlike, will be built in the United Kingdom, although weapon, command and propulsion systems, may be procured from overseas, following open competition.
All bidders for new procurements will, of course, have to demonstrate the capability and competitiveness to meet our needs, but this future programme should provide an excellent opportunity for the UK's shipbuilding industry.