Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what locations are being considered for the (a) build and (b) assembly of the fleet solid support ships.

Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships project remains a priority. On current plans, the three FSS ships will be assembled from blocks which are expected to be built in Harland & Wolff (H&W) shipyards in Belfast and Appledore in Devon and Navantia's shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. Assembly and integration of the ships is planned to take place in Belfast.

Following a review of H&W's financial situation, the Government is clear that the market is best placed to address the challenges the company is facing. We continue to work extensively with all parties to find an outcome for the company that continues to deliver shipbuilding and manufacturing in the UK.