HC Deb 27 January 1993 vol 217 cc751-2W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the recent refit of HMS Renown at the time the contract was placed; what the final cost was on completion; and what are the reasons for the difference.

Mr. Aitken

The total estimated cost of the project at the time the contract was placed was just over £152 million at 1992–93 prices. Final cost certificates have not yet been presented but the current estimate of cost is in the region of £200 million.

The difference between these figures is due mainly to a change in the method of assessing costs following commercialisation—this refit straddled vesting day—programme delays and additional equipment improvements.