§ Mr. OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the withdrawal of HMS Westminster from Flotex and the In Year Budget Management Measure. [104152]
§ Mr. SpellarThe withdrawal of HMS Westminster from Flotex 99 needs to be set in the context of a very busy operational year for the Royal Navy and a sharp increase in fuel prices. This has resulted in some98W adjustment of planned activities as part of normal cash management action to ensure that the Fleet stays within its allocated budget this year.