§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost is of the building of HMS Albion; if she is on schedule and to budget; what the expected in-service date is; and if he will make a statement. [155806]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 27 March 2001]: The unit production cost of HMS Albion including its Landing Craft and the Integrated Communications System is approximately £385 million. This is within the approved budget. The expected in-service date of the vessel is March 2003, as announced on 13 December 1999, Official Report, column 26W.