§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason HMS Glasgow remained non-operational for 12 months. [112299]
§ Mr. IngramDuring the last 12 months HMS Glasgow has been held in extended readiness. She has undergone regeneration work in preparation for rejoining the fleet as I set out in my answer of 24 February 2003,Official Report, columns 305–06W, to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mr Hancock). I also refer the hon. Member to my answer to him of 12 May 2003, Official Report, column 38W, which stated that she has been unavailable for deployment as a result of manpower commitments to providing emergency cover in the event of a fire-fighters strike.