§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate HMS Kent's annual cost for(a) fuel, (b) wages, (c) maintenance, (d) general supplies and (e) other outlays; and if he will make a statement. [123960]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Type 23 Frigate HMS Kent, becomes fully operational at the end of the year; her annual operating costs will depend on her future tasking and the 15W maintenance she requires. The indicative annual cost for a Type 23 Frigate, including manpower, fuel, stores and routine maintenance is in the region of £17 million.