§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the estimated cost of replacing the 337W gold leaf on the royal yacht Britannia damaged in the recent accident; and if it will be replaced before the yacht's arrival in Hong Kong; [20079]
(2) what is the total estimated cost of the damage to the royal yacht Britannia as a result of the accident at Karachi; and who will pay for the repair work. [20078]
§ Mr. SoamesOn 28 February, while in the Gulf, en route from Doha to Karachi, HMY Britannia was involved in a minor collision with RFA Bayleaf while replenishing at sea. The repair costs for Britannia, which will be met from defence votes, are not yet known, but all necessary repairs, including any to her gold leaf, will be completed before she arrives in Hong Kong.