§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to withdraw HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid from service. [121700]
§ Mr. SpellarOn current plans, HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid are due to be withdrawn from service in 2003 and 2001, respectively. However, these dates are linked to the acceptance of the replacement vessels, the Landing Platform Dock (Replacement)s (LPD(R)s), 563W named HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. In the light of delays to the LPD(R)s, the dates for withdrawal for Fearless and Intrepid are under review.