Shipbuilding on the Clyde Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Shipbuilding on the Clyde

Richard Drax Excerpts
Monday 25th April 2016

(8 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for focusing his question on that important subject, and I agree that the workforce on the Clyde are highly skilled; indeed, I make a point of meeting the trade union representatives of shipbuilders on the Clyde, and I did so last month. The short answer to his question is yes. The five offshore patrol vessels—three of which are in build, and two of which we added as part of the SDSR—do provide continuity between the Type 45s and the aircraft carrier blocks, as they finish being produced on the Clyde, and the beginning of work on the Type 26s.

Richard Drax Portrait Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con)
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I welcome the news of the new-build ships. We still do not have enough, but we are going in the right direction. May I ask that no HM ships currently serving be withdrawn before and until any new ship is built and commissioned?

Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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I think my hon. Friend is referring to the Type 23 class of frigates. The Royal Navy’s intention is that the new vessels replace Type 23s on a like-for-like basis as they come out of service.