To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for placing an order for submarine berthing tugs.

I am pleased to announce that an order has been placed with Richard Dunston (Hessle) Ltd. of north Humberside to build two new submarine berthing tugs. The tugs will operate at the Clyde submarine base. The approximate value of the order is £10 million and delivery of the tugs is planned for spring 1993.The tugs will be a valuable addition to the fleet of Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service support craft that carry out a range of tasks and which, while largely unsung, make a significant contribution to the efficient and effective operation of the Royal Navy.