§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long-term service plans for use of(a) HMS Sheffield, (b) HMS Coventry and (c) HMS Cardiff. [114768]
§ Mr. SpellarHM ships Coventry, Sheffield and Cardiff will remain Fleet assets until replaced by new ships entering service. On current plans, HMS Coventry will be replaced by HMS St. Albans at the end of 2001. In due course HMS Sheffield will be replaced by the Future346W Surface Combatant and HMS Cardiff by the first Type 45. Until replaced, they will be subject to a normal programme of operational tasking and upkeep.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the refit of HMS Nottingham is proceeding on time and within budget; when she will start post-refit trials; what is the date for her to return to active service; and if he will make a statement. [114802]
§ Mr. SpellarThe refit of HMS Nottingham is currently proceeding to programme and is within budget. Post-refit trials are planned to commence in the autumn and HMS Nottingham is expected to return to operational service early next year.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the mid and long-term service plans for the three Royal Navy aircraft carriers; and if he will make a statement. [114797]
§ Mr. SpellarThe three aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal undertake a rolling programme of operations and maintenance, to ensure that two ships are normally available for tasking. All three vessels are planned to remain in service for at least the next decade. Under current plans, Invincible will be the first to pay off, after which Illustrious and Ark Royal will provide the capability until the next two new aircraft carriers enter service.
347W
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of the refit is for the HMS Lancaster; if it will be completed to time and cost; if she will be able to carry the Merlin helicopter; and if he will make a statement. [114763]
§ Mr. SpellarExpenditure to date on HMS Lancaster's refit is about £10.5 million. There are some outstanding minor costs which are subject to negotiation with the refit contractor. It is expected that the final cost will be within the original budget. The refit contract was completed earlier than originally planned, and HMS Lancaster will shortly return to operational service. She is now capable of carrying the Merlin helicopter.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when and where HMS Norfolk will have her next refit; at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [114771]
§ Mr. SpellarHMS Norfolk's next refit is planned to start in 2005 and to form part of MOD's competitive shipwork programme. Both the venue and the cost of the refit will therefore depend on the outcome of the planned competition.