§ Mr. SpeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the 85 tonne crane installed in. HMS Challenger, including structural alterations to the ship.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleA 30 tonne crane was fitted into HMS Challenger in September 1990. The acquisition and installation costs are commercial-in-confidence.
§ Mr. SpeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence why a new 85 tonne crane was installed in HMS14W Challenger a few weeks before the ship was to be sold to commercial interests; and whether the cost of this crane and its installation will be fully reflected in the price being sought from prospective purchasers.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe crane had been bought some time before the decision was taken to decommission HMS Challenger. The Ministry of Defence will naturally endeavour to obtain the most competitive price possible for the ship from prospective purchasers.
§ Mr. SpeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he will take to ensure that the decision to dispose of HMS Challenger at the end of the current year will not adversely affect the security of the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrent.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe disposal of HMS Challenger will not adversely affect the security of the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrent.