Warships: Weapons

Dr. Julian Lewis
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what major armaments systems have recently been removed from (a) HMS Southampton and (b) HMS Exeter; when this change in capability was carried out; when it was decided to make this information public; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bob Ainsworth
[holding answer 16 June 2008]: HMS Southampton had her Sea Dart missiles offloaded in January2008 and HMS Exeter's were removed in July 2007. There was no prior decision to make this public. HMS Southampton and HMS Exeter continue to be armed with weapon system capabilities required to meet their tasking.