§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the state of readiness is of HMS Intrepid; and how long it will take for her to be returned to operational service. [143050]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 15 December 2000]: HMS Intrepid is being held at a low readiness state commensurate with force levels endorsed within the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). She could, if necessary, be returned to operational service within the timeframe similarly agreed through the SDR process.