HL Deb 11 October 2004 vol 665 cc13-4WA
Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the estimated costs of the use of HMS "Boxer" and HMS "Brave" in target practice by the Royal Navy; and what matters were taken into account in forming these estimates. [HL4179]

Lord Bach

The estimated cost of using "Boxer" and "Brave" for this exercise was £1,297,000. This figure includes the costs of preparing the two ships as targets, the environmental impact assessment, the target tow preparation, the preparation of the safety case, the charter of the tugs, scientific data collection and the use of US facilities, analysis work by Dstl, video equipment and the estimated scrap value of the "Boxer" and "Brave" hulks.

Some of these costs also cover the preparation of an additional hulk specifically purchased for use as a target during this exercise.

Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the current and projected numbers of Royal Navy warships are sufficient to discharge the Standing Home Commitment of Military Task 2.3 as set out in the New Chapter to the SDR, namely to protect the integrity of British waters. [HL4197]

Lord Bach

The Ministry of Defence maintains and will continue to maintain a number of capabilities at high readiness to respond to a range of contingencies, including those addressed by Military Task 2.3—the Integrity of the United Kingdom Waters.