HC Deb 19 July 1989 vol 157 c229W
Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his assessment of the cost of treating corrosion on the assault ships HMS Intrepid and HMS Fearless.

Mr. Sainsbury

Corrosion repair and preventative work are normal features of the refitting of warships. HMS Intrepid is currently operational; whilst she will shortly undergo a hull survey, no major corrosion problems are expected. Some corrosion treatment, which is not unduly extensive, is in hand in the refit of HMS Fearless; but the cost of this treatment could be separately identified only at disproportionate cost.