HC Deb 16 May 2002 vol 385 cc776-7W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many crew are serving on HMS Fearless. [56702]

Mr. Ingram

There are currently 490 crew serving on HMS Fearless.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what maintenance work is being carried out on HMS Monmouth. [56703]

Mr. Ingram

HMS Monmouth is currently undergoing a planned refit at Rosyth dockyard, involving necessary equipment refurbishment and enhancements to her operational and support systems. This will include enhanced aviation capability, to accommodate the Merlin helicopter, and installation of a new command support system and anti-air warfare training system. Other enhancements will also be made to her communications, administration and waste disposal systems.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the planned refits are for(a) HMS Invincible, (b) HMS Illustrious and (c) HMS Ark Royal before the end of their service lives. [56701]

Mr. Ingram

HMS Ark Royal completed her last planned refit in November 2001. The last planned refit for HMS Invincible commenced in September 2001 and is expected to complete and return to service in the first half of 2003. That for HMS Illustrious will commence this autumn and is expected to complete in autumn 2004. The vessels will, however, continue to undergo routine maintenance and shorter docking periods for the remainder of their service lives.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if HMS Sheffield will have further refits before the end of her service life. [56700]

Mr. Ingram

On current plans HMS Sheffield has no further scheduled refits though she is programmed to undertake a docking period in early 2004.