Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 27 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 July 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 10 July 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 25th June, Official Report, 407 c878W, on procurement, which ships are to be fitted with the ordered ship systems; what plans he has for those which are not; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2003, Official Report, column 878W, on procurement, which ships are to be fitted with the ordered ship systems; what plans he has for those which are not; and if he will make a statement. [123095] Mr. Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 25 June 2003, Official Report, column 878W, concerning planned numbers of Hunt and Sandown class vessels and the procurement of 19 ship systems to improve minehunting and minesweeping capability. The current plans are that the purchased systems will be fitted to all Hunt and Sandown class Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs). There is no requirement to fit the ship systems to the three former Hunt class vessels now configured for use solely as patrol craft, forming the Northern Ireland Squadron (HMS Brecon, HMS Cottismore and HMS Dulverton). There are currently no plans for changes to this Squadron.

Secondary information