§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken to reduce the annual operating cost of Her Majesty's yacht, Britannia; and if he will make a statement. [16263]
§ Mr. SoamesThe demands on Britannia, and hence her operating costs, have varied from year to year, depending on the number and location of countries she has been required to visit. A number of measures have, however, been taken to reduce operating costs. Over the last two years these have included a reduction of 5 per cent. in the size of the ship's complement, and the regrading of the commanding officer's post from rear admiral to commodore.