HC Deb 16 December 1982 vol 34 cc259-60W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of repairs to HMS "Plymouth" at Rosyth following the Falklands war.

Mr. Blaker

The total estimated cost of work carried out on the "Plymouth" at Rosyth dockyard on her return from the South Atlantic is £2.3 million, of which approximately £1.3 million is in respect of a planned docking period, with damage repairs accounting for the balance. Figures quoted are dockyard total production costs inclusive of all overhead charges.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether consideration was given to reducing the amount of aluminium in HMS "Plymouth" while she was at Rosyth for repairs.

Mr. Blaker

Yes, and the opportunity was taken to replace aluminium with steel items wherever practicable. However, HMS "Plymouth" already had a steel hull and superstructure and attention was concentrated on replacing aluminium cable hangers and damaged sections of ventilation trunking.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of replacing the foam mattresses in HMS "Plymouth" with interior sprung mattresses.

Mr. Pattie

Approximately £8,000.