THE SNP has demanded clarity on the future of the Type 26 frigates that will secure years of work for two Glasgow shipyards

Following reports that the ships could be ordered in small batches, MPs asked the Defence Secretary for assurances over the order.

The £4bn deal for 13 ships to be build over 15 years would secure the yards in Govan and Scotstoun for a generation.

A Cabinet Office document stated they would be ordered in small batches "to bring realism to the project" has caused concern.

SNP defence spokesman, Brendan O'Hara pressed Defence Secretary Michael Fallon if he could explain the comments.

Mr Fallon said: "We confirmed earlier this year we are spending £859m on design of Type 26 frigates."

When challenged again to explain the comments Mr Fallon said: "Only the SNP could regard £859m as somehow half hearted we will be finalising the design of these ships shortly but we have to absolutely ensure we get good value for tax payer pounds."

Kirsten Oswald, East Renfrewshire SNP MP also asked for more clarity on what the comments meant for the workforce on the Clyde.

Minister of State, Phillip Dunne, said it had to be ensured costs did not spiral out of control

He said: "The workforce on the Clyde are manufacturing three offshore patrol vessels commissioned by the previous coalition government.

"We want to make sure before we enter the full manufacturing contracts that the contract structure are robust and we can hold contractors to account, unlike the aircraft carrier contracts which blew up to over double their original cost."

Later, Ms Oswald said: "I thought it was worth asking again to get a bit more meat on the bone to make it more clear.

"We did get a bit more of an answer, we can now go away and look at that and we have now a bit more clarity and confidence that the people who are busy there will continue to be busy there. "