§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if HMS Bulwark will have(a) a full crew complement, (b) full aircraft load, (c) vehicles and (d) a complete set of equipment when she comes into service; and if he will make a statement. [32158]
§ Dr. MoonieAt her planned in-service date of December 2003, HMS Bulwark will provide a significant improvement in capability over her predecessor.
She will have a crew complement to enable her to conduct her trials and work-up periods and to fulfil her design capability when she becomes operational.
There has never been a requirement for Bulwark to be equipped with her own organic aircraft. Aircraft will be embarked when they are required.
When she enters service Bulwark will have a complete set of the necessary equipment. She will also have four landing craft utility, four of the smaller landing craft vehicle and personnel and a hippo (the new armoured beach recovery vehicle which is due to enter service in 2003).