§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Royal Navy has sufficient manpower to crew all operational surface ships; and if he will make a statement. [52893]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 26 April 2002]: The Royal Navy has sufficient manpower to support the deployment of surface ships as required to meet its current commitments, including the full manning of all operational ships in times of heightened tension.