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Astute Class Submarines

Volume 670: debated on Thursday 10 March 2005

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asked Her Majesty's Government:When they plan to order further Astute class submarines. [HL1600]

A contract was placed in March 1997 for the design and manufacture of three Astute class submarines. Orders for the procurement of further Astute boats are being considered and announcements will be made at the appropriate time.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the planned build time for the fourth and subsequent Astute class submarines. [HL1601]

Percentage of half days missed due to unauthorised absence 1994–2004
Academic Year1995199619971998199920002001200220032004
(a) specialist schools10.50.60.60.70.80.90.91.01.01.0
(b) selective schools0.10.10.10.10.10.10.10.10.10.1
(c) community schools1.31.31.31.41.31.31.31.31.31.4
(d) city academies3.03.1
(e) voluntary aided schools0.90.90.80.80.70.70.70.80.70.8
(f) city technology colleges0.20.20.20.10.10.20.20.20.20.3
(g) special schools3.03.12.83.02.82.52.52.42.22.0
(h) voluntary controlled Schools0.90.80.91.01.01.01.01.01.01.0
1The figures are based on schools that were specialist at the start of the relevant academic year. The number of specialist schools has increased significantly over time.
Unauthorised absence is absence without leave from a teacher or other authorised representative of the school. It includes pupils who are late or who take time off with parents' consent—for example, for a holiday which the school will not authorise.

There are three Astute class submarines currently on order with BAe Systems. Orders for the procurement of further Astute boats are being considered and announcements will be made at the appropriate time.