§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current operational life of(a) Sir Bedivere, (b) Sir Geraint and (c) Sir Percivale. [85959]
§ Mr. SpellarIt is planned to pay off RFA Bedivere in 2011, following an extension to her service life as a result of the recent Ship Life Extension programme. RFAs Sir Geraint and Sir Percivale have not been subject to214W similar life extension programmes and are expected to be withdrawn from service in 2003 and 2004 respectively, when they are due to be replaced by new vessels.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost and timescale for the Service Life Extension Programme for(a) Sir Bedivere, (b) Sir Geraint and (c) Sir Percivale; and when contracts will be let. [85956]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Ship Life Extension Programme of RFA Sir Bedivere started in November 1994 and completed in June 1998, at a cost of £68.8 million. In the light of experience gained from this work, the decision was taken not to pursue similar life extension programmes on either RFA Sir Geraint or on RFA Sir Percivale. It is planned that these two vessels will be replaced by new ships in 2003 and 2004 respectively.