§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much was spent in the last year for which figures are available on(a) the Welsh Grand Committee and (b) the Welsh Affairs Committee. [117821]
94WThese costs include manpower, fuel, port and harbour dues, maintenance and maintenance stores and, in the case of HMS Ark Royal, refit costs, but not the cost of the Air Group when embarked. HMS Invincible and HMS Illustrious have each undergone extended docking/maintenance periods, which largely account for year on year variations. HMS Ark Royal was in a period of extended readiness prior to commencing her refit in May 1999.