§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Royal Navy warships(a) are and (b) are due to be placed in a state of extended readiness; and for what purpose in each case. [98232]
§ Mr. IngramHMS Bridport and RFA Sir Geraint are currently in extended readiness. HMS Triumph and HMS Glasgow are currently planned to go into extended readiness in 2004, and HMS Invincible in 2006. Decisions to place vessels in extended readiness reflect the capabilities that are required to meet current and contingent operational requirements. These plans are subject to regular review, and vessels that are in extended readiness may be reactivated periodically to cater for unforeseen contingencies and thus allow efficient maintenance of current fleet outputs.