§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current cost of dockyard projects; when the estimated cost last increased; and when he made the decision to award this work to Devonport royal dockyard.
§ Mr. AitkenMy Department spends around £420 million per annum on ship refitting and works projects, most of which is undertaken at the royal dockyards. Individual projects are rigorously controlled and monitored.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced last year that we shall, subject to satisfactory contractual negotiations, proceed with the Devonport nuclear refitting facility proposals. The project is proceeding satisfactorily to time and cost.