§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision on the future of HMS Intrepid. [66699]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Strategic Defence Review confirmed our plans to replace HM Ships Intrepid and Fearless with two new amphibious assault ships early in the next decade. It is planned that HMS Intrepid will remain in service, at low readiness, until 2001. On current plans, she will be replaced by HMS Albion in 2002.