Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on acquiring the Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ships; and what recent estimate he has made of the cost of this project.

Commercial discussions are currently taking place in relation to the procurement of a Multi Role Ocean Surveillance capability. Divulging any further detail may prejudice these discussions at this time.

Planning work has commenced for the concept and assessment phase of the project to design and build a Multi Role Ocean Surveillance capability.