Dr Julian Lewis:  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans the Government has to commission a new Royal Yacht for use by the Royal family and for other national purposes.  [27]

[Due for Answer on 17 May.] 

ANSWER

The Minister for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin): We are currently reviewing our National Shipbuilding Strategy, which will outline the Government's future plans for shipbuilding programmes and how we will set the conditions for a globally successful, innovative and sustainable shipbuilding enterprise. The Government is open to considering a range of capabilities which can help to meet our strategic objectives and national requirements.