asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current value of his Department's orders of surface vessels and submarines for the Royal Navy; and what is the estimated value of such orders for vessels to be placed in 1985 and 1986.

Following the acceptance of Ark Royal from the shipbuilder later this month, the value of current orders will be approximately £2,500 million at 1984–85 prices. Orders for 1985 and 1986 will be announced as and when appropriate.