§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the sea trials of HMS St. Albans to recommence; and if he will make a statement. [78509]
§ Mr. IngramSt. Albans completed her sea trials and became available to the Fleet Time on 30 September 2002.
Until the full damage assessment is complete, and repair options have been considered, it is not possible to say when St. Albans will be able to resume her programme of operational training. Initial indications are that this might be achieved early in 2003.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest assessment is of the work needed to repair HMS St. Albans; how long this work will take; who will pay for it; and if he will make a statement. [78511]
§ Mr. IngramThe extent of the damage sustained by HMS St. Albans is still being assessed, and until this completed it is not possible to determine how long the repair work will take. An investigation into the circumstances which led to the incident is underway and pending its outcome it is premature to say where repair costs will fall.