§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase the crew on the HMS Ocean; what plans he has to(a) repair and (b) replace its engine; how the cabin flat vibration will be resolved; what the cost will be of the necessary renovation; and if he will make a statement. [140713]
§ Mr. SpellarAs a result of operational experience, we plan to increase the overall complement for HMS Ocean by 33 personnel, including six in the Air Department, by April 2001.
There are no plans to replace HMS Ocean's main engines. The only significant repairs in this area will be to the main engine governors, and I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 12W. It is estimated that these repairs will cost about £75,000.
There are currently no problems with cabin flat vibration. Following rectification work by the shipbuilder on the starboard gearbox, vibration has been reduced, and a Lloyd's Register noise survey in February confirmed that noise levels in the accommodation spaces were generally satisfactory. This work was undertaken under guarantee procedures, at no cost to the Department.