§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current proportion of the(a) Royal Navy and (b) RN Fleet, (i) committed and (ii) warned to deploy for operations. [81666]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 22 April 1999]: As at 19 April 1999, 55 per cent. of available RN ships (excluding those in long-term maintenance), submarines and supporting Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels were deployed on operations. In staffing terms, this represents about 15 per cent. of the total trained strength of the Royal Navy and approximately 25 per cent. of the RFA. All other RN units are available for deployment at various periods of notice, depending on their readiness states.