Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many submarines are currently available for operations; [44689]

(2) what the (a) name and (b) type is of each (i) destroyer and (ii) frigate in service with the Royal Navy and available for operations. [44739]

Nick Harvey MP; Minister of State for the Armed Forces: The surface ships in service with the Royal Navy currently available for operations are as follows:

Frigates

Type 22:

HMS Campbeltown

HMS Cornwall

HMS Cumberland

Destroyers

Type 23:

HMS St Albans

HMS Westminster

HMS Richmond

HMS Iron Duke

HMS Montrose

HMS Monmouth

HMS Sutherland

HMS Somerset

HMS Portland

Type 42:

HMS Gloucester

HMS Liverpool

HMS York

Type 45:

HMS Daring.

Two types of submarines make up the Royal Navy Submarine Service. There are six fleet submarines, of which four are operational. There are four ballistic missile submarines, of which three are operational. HMS Astute has joined the Royal Navy's submarine fleet, but is not yet fully operational, so is not included in these figures.

While the units identified will be at various states of readiness, while engaging in various forms of activity such as sea trials, training, ammunitioning, storing etc., they remain in fleet time and are therefore considered operational.

Those units not currently part of the operational schedule are undergoing deep maintenance.