HC Deb 09 June 1981 vol 6 cc120-1W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average cost per head of those serving in the Royal Navy taking into account pay, accommodation, food, training and other costs related to personnel.

Mr. Blaker

The average cost per head of those serving in the Royal Navy—that is excluding the Royal Marines, WRNS and QARNNS—in 1981–82 is estimated at approximately £9,500. This covers pay and allowances, the costs of food and accommodation less receipts, travel, clothing, medical costs etc. The costs of training however are not held in a form which will allow an average cost per head to be deducted.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual running cost of (a) an ASW or commando carrier, (b) a type 42 destroyer, (c) a type 21 frigate, (d) a type 22 frigate, (e) a Leander frigate. (f) an Oberon class submarine and (g) a nuclear fleet submarine, including where appropriate the helicopters or aircraft associated with the ship.

Mr. Blaker

The average annual running costs at September 1980 prices and including associated aircraft costs but excluding the costs of major refits are:

£million
ASW/Commando Carrier (HERMES) 39.8
Type 42 Destroyer 9.4
Type 21 Frigate 5.6
Type 22 Frigate 10.1
Leander Frigate Batch 3 6.1
Oberon Class Submarine 3.4
Nuclear Fleet Submarine 6.7

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what year the strength of the Royal Navy last fell below 60,000.

Mr. Goodhart

The strength of the Royal Navy was last below 60,000 in 1893.