HC Deb 16 July 1992 vol 211 cc933-4W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what have been the consequences for the training of reservists of the withdrawal from service of two Royal Navy River class minesweepers.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There have been no consequences for the training of reservists as such following the withdrawal from service of two River class minesweepers, although some reservists now have to travel to other units for their sea training.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many River class minesweepers are in service with the Royal Navy; and where they are based.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There are a total of 12 River class minesweepers. Two—HMS Ribble and HMS Helmsdale—are maintained in reserve at Portsmouth. HMS Blackwater is deployed operationally as part of the fishery protection squadron and is based at Rosyth. The nine remaining vessels are used by the RNR and are based as follows:

HMS Waverney South Wales
HMS Helford Ulster
HMS Orwell Tyne
HMS Carron Severn
HMS Humber Mersey
HMS Spey Forth
HMS Dovey Clyde
HMS Itchen Solent
HMS Arun Sussex