§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) delays and (b) cost over-runs there are in respect of the refit of HMS Campbelltown; what is the cost of the refit; when she will be ready for operational duties; and if he will make a statement. [86371]
§ Mr. SpellarHMS Campbelltown is now fully operational. The refit, which was completed in December 1998, required some unforeseen additional work, which resulted in a delay of just over seven weeks. The final cost of the refit will not be known until all contractual aspects have been finalised but is expected to be about £23 million, which is within the overall budget.