[holding answer 21 May 2007]: Three Astute class submarines are on order with BAES (Submarine Solutions), and I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of 21 May 2007, Official Report, columns 55-56WS, about boat 4. Further boat orders are currently being considered, subject to affordability. We are working with industry as part of the Defence Industrial Strategy to achieve an affordable and sustainable submarine programme.
The planned in-service date for the first of class, Astute, is 2009. The second of class, Ambush, will follow in 2010, and the third of class, Artful, in 2012.