§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether HMS Newcastle and HMS Cardiff are due to be decommissioned in 2003; and if he will make a statement. [48668]
§ Mr. IngramI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 March 2002,Official Report,column 34W to the hon. Member for North Wiltshire (Mr. Gray).
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the refit for HMS Illustrious will(a)commence and (b)be completed; and what use will be made of HMS Illustrious in the period to the start of the refit. [48172]
§ Mr. IngramRefit work on HMS Illustrious will start in October 2002 and is expected to complete in autumn 2004. From 27 May 2002 until the start of her refit, HMS Illustrious will be held in reduced readiness.