HC Deb 20 January 1972 vol 829 c209W
30. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Minister of State for Defence what estimate he made, in coming to his decision about H.M.S. "Eagle", of the annual upkeep costs in money and manpower to keep her in maintained reserve.

Mr. Kirk

The annual cost of keeping H.M.S. "Eagle" in maintained reserve with her present capability would probably be between £1½ million and £2 million, including the cost of necessary refitting and of the 350 to 400 officers and ratings required to man her. Additional resources would be required to maintain a reserve complement of Sea Vixen aircraft as H.M.S. "Eagle" is not adapted to operate Phantoms.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Minister of State for Defence what estimate he made, in coming to his decision about H.M.S. "Eagle", of the cost of converting her to operate Phantom aircraft.

Mr. Kirk

Between £25 million and £30 million at current price levels and including the cost of other long refitting work.