§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of keeping HMS Sheffield(a) in reserve and (b) in mothballs; when its Royal Navy service will end; how many personnel are involved in keeping it in service and at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [43924]
§ Mr. IngramThe estimated costs of holding HMS Sheffield at extended readiness from November 2002 until September 2004 is £3.3 million. This figures includes £0.8 million for the costs of the 13 RN personnel directly involved in maintaining her in service. On current plans HMS Sheffield will be withdrawn from service towards the end of this decade.