§ Mr. OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2000,Official Report, columns 97–98W, concerning HMS Westminster and the In Year Budget Management Measure, what were the sums allocated for fuel for the Fleet in the current year and in the two previous years; and what provision is made in the budget for increases in fuel prices. [105148]
§ Mr. SpellarThe sums allocated for fuel for the Fleet (HM Warships and RFAs) in the current year and the two previous years were as follows:
£ million 1997–98 34.572 1998–99 40.283 1999–2000 137.924 1 The allocation for the current year includes £9.5 million over and above the original allocation. No specific provision is made in the budget for increases in fuel prices, however my Department uses normal in year management flexibility to cope with the effects of short-term changes such as this.