§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of HMS Valiant's most recent refit; when she was recommissioned; whether she remains operational; and when she is due to pay off.
§ Mr. AitkenHMS Valiant's most recent refit was carried out in Rosyth and was completed in July 1989. The refit straddled the introduction of commercial management into the dockyards in April 1987 and that part of the refit which took place under commercial management cost around £77 million. There has also been a routine docking and essential defect period in 1992–93 at a cost of around £13 million although the final cost certificates have not yet been submitted. Refitting expenditure prior to the introduction of commercial management could only be identified at disproportionate cost. The vessel re-entered service on completion of the refit and currently remains in full time service with the Royal Navy; it is not our practice to discuss pay-off dates for individual vessels.