§ Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inspections and safety checks are being made to ensure the Royal Yacht 'Britannia' is protected from(a) damage, (b) fire and (c) deterioration. [37260]
§ Dr. ReidBRITANNIA is berthed inside Portsmouth Naval Base and is regularly checked by Base staff and MoD police patrols. She is locked up with access on board strictly controlled. All portable artefacts and many stores, including as much as possible of that which presents a fire hazard, have been removed. Fire, intruder detection and partial dehumidification systems have been installed. The hull and superstructure are washed regularly to help arrest salt corrosion and maintain condition.