Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Type 23 frigates are in refit; and when those refits are expected to be completed.

HMS ST ALBANS, HMS SUTHERLAND, HMS WESTMINSTER and HMS ARGYLL are currently in or are awaiting Refit.

The duration of refit periods is determined by a number of factors, including requirements that emerge during the course of the work, as well as pre-planned repairs and capability insertions. It is not therefore possible to provide precise completion dates until late during each refit period.

In the financial year 2023-24, £100 million has been allocated for Type 23 refits and of this sum about £50 million has been expended.

It is not possible to provide a breakdown of allocation or expenditure by vessel for future work. Funds for Type 23 refits are not simply allocated on a per ship or per refit basis. The work required to be undertaken on a vessel over and above pre-planned capability insertions, and therefore the overall baseline costs, are established by survey of the vessel at the commencement of each refit period.