§ Dr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Defence how much expenditure has already been incurred on repairing the aluminium superstructure of the Navy's six type 21 frigates and how much is the total estimated cost; whether it is expected that this will shorten the working life of the frigates; and how long it is expected this work will take to complete.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe estimated cost of the measures currently in hand to strengthen type 21 frigates is approximately £1.5 million, of which some £250,000 has already been spent. On current plans this work will be completed over the next two years. It is not expected to reduce the in-service life of the ships.