Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 7 November (HL2668), whether the complete orders for boats 6 and 7 of the Astute-class submarines have been agreed and signed; and whether the orders have been placed on a cost plus or other basis.

Negotiations are ongoing between the Ministry of Defence and the build contractor, BAE Systems, to put in place the Whole Boat contract for both submarines. As this has not yet been finalised it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics.

In the meantime, construction of both submarines continues under existing limits of liability contracts.