§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sea training facilities are currently available at HMS Wessex, HMS Sussex and HMS Claverhouse; and what is their current usage rate.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonHMS Wessex, HMS Sussex and HMS Claverhouse have River class minesweepers; HMS Itchen, HMS Arun and HMS Spey respectively. The time spent at sea is approximately 20 per cent. of the time available when allowance is made for the ships to undergo essential maintenance and repair. In addition to training at sea other essential training activities are conducted alongside.