Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Government plans to support the construction of a frigate factory on the River Clyde.

The previously proposed Modern Dock Hall, referred to colloquially as the 'Frigate Factory', was thoroughly investigated by BAE Systems but ultimately they concluded that the cost and level of associated risk did not represent value for money. The Ministry of Defence was consulted and agreed with their conclusion.

The National Shipbuilding Strategy was clear that all Royal Navy warships will be built and integrated in the UK. The Type 26 frigates are being built on the Clyde, securing a total of 4,000 jobs across the UK supply chain and 20 years of work. Since 2010 this Government has invested more than £6 billion in shipbuilding in the UK, securing thousands of jobs. In 2018-19 we expect to spend in excess of £750 million supporting the fleet.