HC Deb 19 December 2003 vol 416 c25W
Mr. Mandelson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the Government's policy is regarding the break-up, recovery and recycling of United Kingdom naval vessels; [143887]

(2) which United Kingdom naval vessels have been broken up over the past five years; and where each vessel was broken up; [143888]

(3) which United Kingdom naval vessels are being considered for breaking up; [143889]

(4) what criteria are used to determine where work to break up United Kingdom naval vessels is carried out. [143890]

Mr. Ingram

When declared surplus to requirements, named RN ships are sold via the Ministry of Defence's Disposal Services Agency (DSA). The DSA actively promotes sales on a Government-to-Government basis

Numbers of Personnel
1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04
Faslane 36 36 36 36 36 36 36
Coulport 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
East Riggs 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
Lossiemouth 29 30 30 30 30 30
Leuchars 49 49 49 49 45 44 37

In addition there are three other stations at RAF Buchan, RAF Kinloss and RAF Saxa Vord which are manned by service personnel.

I will write to the hon. Member with details of the number of service personnel and personnel costs and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.