§ Mr. Peter GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many sea-going vessels of the Royal Navy have undergone internal refitting to accommodate female crew members; and how many berths were provided and at what total cost in the last five years. [14910]
(2) how many sea-going vessels of the Royal Navy have had internal alterations made to remove accommodation designed for female members of crews; and what is the number of berths removed and at what total cost in the last five years. [14908]
§ Mr. SoamesOver the last five years, 36 Royal Navy ships and five Royal Fleet Auxiliaries have been converted to accommodate female personnel. This has resulted in 1,313 berths becoming available for female personnel. All conversion work has been carried out as part of major refit programmes and costs of this specific work are not separately identified. In the same period, none has undergone any reversion work.