HC Deb 10 February 1998 vol 306 cc195-6W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what complements of crew Type 23 frigates(a) carried when first commissioned and (b) carry currently. [27508]

Dr. Reid

When first commissioned the complement of crew carried by Type 23 frigates was 173. The current complement is 171.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans exist to reduce the complement of Type 23 frigates by refitting with less manpower-intensive equipment; and if he will make a statement. [27887]

Dr. Reid

There are no plans to reduce the complement of Type 23 frigates by refitting with less manpower-intensive equipment. Manning implications are taken into consideration when the Operational Requirement for future ships is considered; however, the size of the complement is affected by other considerations such as the manpower needed for damage control and fire-fighting.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the average availability of Type 23 frigates for operational service in each of the last five years. [27504]

Dr. Reid

Type 23 frigates achieved approximately 85–89 per cent. average availability for operational service in each of the last five years with the exception of 1996 when the figure dropped to just over 80 per cent. due to a number of ships experiencing a particular defect. This discounts time spent in planned maintenance.