Oral Answers to Questions

Richard Graham Excerpts

Monday 12th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Dunne]

As the hon. Gentleman, who is a distinguished member of the Defence Committee, knows, this Government believe in open procurement to get the best value for the taxpayer, not only in procuring equipment initially, but in sustaining and supporting it, including diesel turbine engines for Her Majesty’s royal naval ships.

[Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)]

The Minister has referred to the important project of the Type 26 frigates. He will know that the first HMS Gloucester was launched in the Commonwealth in the 1650s and that the 10th HMS Gloucester was decommissioned only a couple of years ago. Does he agree that nothing would be more appropriate than for the 11th HMS Gloucester to be a Type 26 frigate?

[Mr Dunne]

My hon. Friend makes a very powerful case. I have to inform him, however, that the decision of whether the next class of frigate will be named after locations, people or whatever has yet to be taken, but his points have been well made.