My Lords, given that the Type 26 is being built on the Clyde and the Type 31 at Rosyth, is it within the Minister’s understanding that the United Kingdom has never placed an order for a warship with a foreign country, and that, if Scotland were to become independent, that would not ensure the continuance of this most remarkable trade, the success that it offers and the reputation that it enhances?

My Lords, given that the Type 26 is being built on the Clyde and the Type 31 at Rosyth, is it within the Minister’s understanding that the United Kingdom has never placed an order for a warship with a foreign country, and that, if Scotland were to become independent, that would not ensure the continuance of this most remarkable trade, the success that it offers and the reputation that it enhances?

My Lords, since the noble Lord raised the question of the Type 31e, I remind the Minister that when it was first promoted, it was described by some as a cheap frigate—a description which appears increasingly inept, to use the word of the moment. Originally, the price was to be £250 million. Do the Government now accept that a figure of £350 million is much more realistic, and that such a figure will require additional funds from an already overstretched budget and will make the obtaining of the promised export orders much more difficult to achieve?

My Lords, since the noble Lord raised the question of the Type 31e, I remind the Minister that when it was first promoted, it was described by some as a cheap frigate—a description which appears increasingly inept, to use the word of the moment. Originally, the price was to be £250 million. Do the Government now accept that a figure of £350 million is much more realistic, and that such a figure will require additional funds from an already overstretched budget and will make the obtaining of the promised export orders much more difficult to achieve?

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he estimates the first contract to build a Project Horizon frigate will be placed; and various questions on the number of frigates purchased and delivery in-service dates. - Includes available figures and information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he estimates the first contract to build a Project Horizon frigate will be placed; and various questions on the number of frigates purchased and delivery in-service dates. - Includes available figures and information.

When he expects to announce the order for the next batch of Type 23 frigates. - An announcement will be made as soon as decision has been taken.

When he expects to announce the order for the next batch of Type 23 frigates. - An announcement will be made as soon as decision has been taken.

What plans he has to sell a Type 23 frigate to Abu Dhabi. - The purchase of a type 23 frigate from a UK yard is one of a number of possibilities being considered by the United Arab Emirates.

What plans he has to sell a Type 23 frigate to Abu Dhabi. - The purchase of a type 23 frigate from a UK yard is one of a number of possibilities being considered by the United Arab Emirates.

If he will comment about the Horizon programme.

If he will comment about the Horizon programme.

Statement about the future development of the Franco British anti-air warfare frigate.

Statement about the future development of the Franco British anti-air warfare frigate.

When it is expected the Royal Navy will take delivery of the Ferranti data link stimulator for the type 23 frigate. - Data link simulator is scheduled to be delivered to type 23 shore integration facility early in 1993.

When it is expected the Royal Navy will take delivery of the Ferranti data link stimulator for the type 23 frigate. - Data link simulator is scheduled to be delivered to type 23 shore integration facility early in 1993.

If he will comment on the Royal Navy's Future Frigate Combat Management System.

If he will comment on the Royal Navy's Future Frigate Combat Management System.

To comment on development by Yarrow Shipbuilders of stretched version of type 23 frigate

To comment on development by Yarrow Shipbuilders of stretched version of type 23 frigate

If there are any plans to see that laser dazzle sight systems are fitted to all UK destroyers & frigates.

If there are any plans to see that laser dazzle sight systems are fitted to all UK destroyers & frigates.

To comment on purchase of ships built under licence to design of NATO frigate replacement 90 programme in UK shipyards.

To comment on purchase of ships built under licence to design of NATO frigate replacement 90 programme in UK shipyards.

When it is intended to make an announcement about selection of command & control system for type 23 frigate. - Shortly.

When it is intended to make an announcement about selection of command & control system for type 23 frigate. - Shortly.

To list names of destroyers & frigates of surface fleet, available for service at 24 hours notice on 1 June 1988, 1 Jan 1989 & 1 June 1989 - Incl table

To list names of destroyers & frigates of surface fleet, available for service at 24 hours notice on 1 June 1988, 1 Jan 1989 & 1 June 1989 - Incl table

How many destroyers & frigates of the surface fleet were available for service at 24 hours notice on 1 June 1988, 1 Jan 1989 & 1 June 1989. - Includes table.

How many destroyers & frigates of the surface fleet were available for service at 24 hours notice on 1 June 1988, 1 Jan 1989 & 1 June 1989. - Includes table.

When Defence Sec intends to invite tenders for additional type 23 frigates & to which companies will they extend that invitation - Ref to 151 c686W

When Defence Sec intends to invite tenders for additional type 23 frigates & to which companies will they extend that invitation - Ref to 151 c686W

Various questions on proposals by Ferranti Computer Systems for command & control system for type 23 frigate including use of penalty clauses & steps to ensure that production difficulties are minimised - Ref to 148 c163-250

Various questions on proposals by Ferranti Computer Systems for command & control system for type 23 frigate including use of penalty clauses & steps to ensure that production difficulties are minimised - Ref to 148 c163-250

When the Sec of State expects that the frigate Penelope & the destroyer Southampton will be ready for service at sea.

When the Sec of State expects that the frigate Penelope & the destroyer Southampton will be ready for service at sea.