Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the planned eight type-45 destroyers will replace the eight remaining type-42s on a one-for-one basis; and whether any of the remaining type-42s will be decommissioned before its successor type-45 enters service.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the planned eight type-45 destroyers will replace the eight remaining type-42s on a one-for- one basis; and whether any of the remaining type-42s will be decommissioned before its successor type-45 enters service. [201637] Mr. Ingram: The Secretary of State for Defence announced on 21 July 2004 that the oldest type 42 Destroyers, HMS Cardiff, HMS Newcastle and HMS Glasgow will be decommissioned by the end of 2005. While our future capability requirements are no longer dictated by the procurement of like for like platforms, the remaining type 42s are currently scheduled to be withdrawn from service from the type 45 First of Class in service date and then at intervals staged to match the in service date of incoming type-45 destroyers.

Secondary information