§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on repairs and maintenance on HMS 'Ocean' since her launch. [60631]
§ Mr. SpellarAs I said in my answers to the hon. Member on 11 June 1998,Official Report, column 638, and 29 June 1998, Official Report, column 12, HMS Ocean was damaged on launch and a package of repairs costing some £1.125 million was needed. The cost of these repairs was borne by MOD under its indemnity scheme. HMS Ocean was subsequently dry-docked at Portsmouth and further repairs were undertaken to her tail shaft bearings and 'A' bracket bearings. The cost of, and liability for, these repairs is currently the subject of a Board of Inquiry and is not expected to be resolved before the end of the year. If MOD accepts liability for the costs involved, the information will be publicly available in the usual way. In addition, approximately £20k was incurred to repair one of the ship's switchboards and this will be recovered by the Prime Contractor under the contract.
As part of her acceptance, HMS Ocean was the subject of a programme of defect rectification under an agreed procedure with the Prime Contractor. This process is common to the acceptance of all warships and the costs incurred are predominantly the responsibility of the Prime Contractor. Although this process is still underway, no costs have so far been borne by MOD.
HMS Ocean has not required maintenance beyond planned routine work since her launch. We do not maintain a complete record of this maintenance centrally and it could be provided only at disproportionate cost.