HC Deb 02 December 1996 vol 286 cc527-8W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the refit of the frigate Battleaxe; how long before its sale the refit was completed; and what was the price paid by Brazil. [6833]

Mr. Arbuthnot

The last refit of HMS Battleaxe was completed in July 1994 at a total cost of some £13 million. On 18 November 1994, the Brazilian Navy signed a contract purchasing all four batch I type 22 frigates which includes HMS Battleaxe. The ship will be handed over on completion of her royal naval service at the end of April 1997. In order to protect customer confidentiality, we do not reveal price details of defence sales.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the refit of the frigate Andromeda; how long before its sale the refit was completed; and what was the price paid by India. [6834]

Mr. Arbuthnot

The last refit of HMS Andromeda was completed in December 1991 at a total cost of some £27 million. HMS Andromeda was sold to India in March 1995. In order to protect customer confidentiality, we do not reveal price details of defence sales.