§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the damage done to HMS Ocean; what is the cost of rectifying the damage; and who is responsible for paying this cost. [10494]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe minor extent of the damage to HMS Ocean when she was launched in October was confirmed at a dry docking over the Christmas period. We now await proposals from the contractor in respect of the arrangement to make good the damage and the estimated cost of repairs. An element of the cost will be borne by the contractor with the balance being covered by MOD's normal self-insurance arrangements