Astute Class Submarines (Hansard, 10 March 2005)

§ Lord Astor of Hever
asked Her Majesty's Government:
When they plan to order further Astute class submarines. [HL1600]

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)
A contract was placed in March 1997 for the design and manufacture of three Astute class submarines. Orders for the procurement of further Astute boats are being considered and announcements will be made at the appropriate time.

§ Lord Astor of Hever
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the planned build time for the fourth and subsequent Astute class submarines. [HL1601]

Percentage of half days missed due to unauthorised absence 1994–2004

Academic Year 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

(a) specialist schools¹ 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0

(b) selective schools 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

(c) community schools 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4

(d) city academies — — — — — — — — 3.0 3.1

(e) voluntary aided schools 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.8

(f) city technology colleges 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3

(g) special schools 3.0 3.1 2.8 3.0 2.8 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.0

(h) voluntary controlled Schools 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

¹The figures are based on schools that were specialist at the start of the relevant academic year. The number of specialist schools has increased significantly over time.

Unauthorised absence is absence without leave from a teacher or other authorised representative of the school. It includes pupils who are late or who take time off with parents' consent—for example, for a holiday which the school will not authorise.
88WA

§ Lord Bach
There are three Astute class submarines currently on order with BAe Systems. Orders for the procurement of further Astute boats are being considered and announcements will be made at the appropriate time.

Percentage of half days missed due to unauthorised absence 1994–2004
Academic Year	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
(a) specialist schools¹	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.8	0.9	0.9	1.0	1.0	1.0
(b) selective schools	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
(c) community schools	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.4	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.4
(d) city academies	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	3.0	3.1
(e) voluntary aided schools	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.7	0.8
(f) city technology colleges	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.3
(g) special schools	3.0	3.1	2.8	3.0	2.8	2.5	2.5	2.4	2.2	2.0
(h) voluntary controlled Schools	0.9	0.8	0.9	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0
¹The figures are based on schools that were specialist at the start of the relevant academic year. The number of specialist schools has increased significantly over time.