To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ships are projected to be in service in the combined destroyer/frigate fleet in each year until the first Future Surface Combatant vessel enters service. (209992)

[holding answer 12 June 2008]: The 2004 Defence White Paper “Delivering Security in a Changing World, Future Capabilities” (Cm 6269) set the Navy's requirement for destroyers and frigates at 25. While this remains the number in service at present we keep future plans for all force levels under constant review.