Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government at how many days readiness Batch 1 River-class offshore patrol vessels are held; and whether such vessels are fully manned when held in readiness.

It is Ministry of Defence policy not to publish details of the readiness states of individual Royal Navy vessels or types for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

The Noble Lord will be aware of the Secretary of State's announcement, on 22 November, 2018 that we will retain the three Royal Navy Batch 1 Offshore Patrol Vessels, for at least the next two years. HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn will forward-operate from their namesake rivers - from Newcastle, Liverpool and the Cardiff area respectively - safeguarding UK waters and supporting fishery protection.