HC Deb 05 December 2002 vol 395 cc928-9W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Royal Navy vessels that are unfit for active duty; and if he will make a statement. [85357]

Mr. Ingram

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for New Forest East (Dr. Lewis) on 27 November 2002,Official Report, columns 334–35W. This provides a list of the Royal Navy vessels currently in refit or undergoing repairs, and which are thus unavailable for active duty. In addition, HMS Nottingham will shortly arrive in the United Kingdom for repair and HMS Talent is along side awaiting the start of a planned refit in 1st quarter 2003.