§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons HMS Cromer has been decommissioned; and what plans there are to dispose of her. [16548]
§ Dr. MoonieThe decision to decommission HMS Cromer on 23 November 2001 was taken as a result of the policy-led Strategic Defence Review. The Review recognised the reduced requirement for mine clearance in home waters and concluded that a balanced force of 22 Sandown and Hunt class minehunters would be sufficient to meet envisaged levels of threat, operational tasking and commitments rather than the 23 previously planned. Plans for her disposal, including alternative Ministry of Defence use or sale, are currently under consideration.