§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 March 2002,Official Report, column 73W, for what reasons the refits of (a) HMS Manchester and (b) HMS Liverpool are taking longer than the average periods given; and what enhancements are being provided to each of the five ships presently in refit. [49748]
§ Mr. IngramThe average refit period given in my reply to the hon. Member was indicative for the frigate and destroyer Class. The refit periods for ships within a Class will vary depending on individual requirements. HMS Manchester exceeded the average period principally due to work required on her gearbox. In HMS Liverpool's case, an extensive electronics package required an extended trials period.
The five frigates and destroyers currently in refit will receive a number of enhancements at various levels, details of the major ones are given as follows:
HMS Manchester (Type 42 Destroyer)
Water displaced fuel tanks; an electronic package; environmental garbage disposal machines; removal of red lead paint.
HMS Liverpool (Type 42 Destroyer)
Water displaced fuel tanks; an extensive electronic package; environmental garbage disposal machines; removal of red lead paint.
HMS Gloucester (Type 42 Destroyer)
Water displaced fuel tanks; environmental garbage disposal machines; biological sewage treatment plants; Total command support system.
HMS Iron Duke (Type 23 Frigate)
Aviation facilities to allow operation of Merlin helicopter, command support and communications systems upgrade; installation of equipment to purify water discharged from ship to meet marine pollution regulations.
HMS Monmouth (Type 23 Frigate)
Enhancements as per HMS Iron Duke.
Cemeteries Australian Canadian New Zealand South African United Kingdom Total Bouchoir New British 6 214 — 1 542 763 Damery Communal — 10 — — 1 11 Folies Communal — 1 — — 1 2 Fouquescourt British 49 138 2 — 187 376 Marcourt French National — 1 — — 5 6 Meharicourt Communal 6 12 2 — 21 41 Warvillers Churchyard Extension — 35 — — 13 48