§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies were carried out which led to the decision to dispose of HMS 'Cromer'. [71663]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 22 February 1999]: As we announced in the Strategic Defence Review, the modernisation of the mine countermeasures force will continue but the increase in the number of vessels should be limited to 22 rather than 25 as previously planned. This will be achieved by paying off three of the older or least capable ships. No decisions have yet been taken as to which vessels will be paid off, although HMS Cromer is a candidate.
§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the cost of construction of HMS 'Cromer', (b) the cost of the cancelled refit of HMS 'Cromer' and (c) the cost of the short refit planned for HMS 'Cromer' for February to July. [71676]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 22 February 1999]: The information requested is as follows:
- (a) The total cost of construction of HMS Cromer was £23.8 million plus an estimated £12 to £13 million for Government Furnished Equipment.
- (b) I cannot say what the cost of HMS Cromer's cancelled refit might have been, as this would have been dependent on the outcome of contract negotiations, the cost of materials and any additional work which might have emerged during the refit. However, the broad order costs for refits of vessels of the same class have been around £5 million.
- (c) The planned cost of HMS Cromer's reduced refit is about £2.5 million, but this does not include the costs of any unforeseen work.