Mine Countermeasure Vessels (Hansard, 2 February 2004)

§ Dr. Julian Lewis
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many mine countermeasure vessels have been in service with the Royal Navy in each year since 1997. [150860]

§ Mr. Ingram
The number of MCM vessels in service with the Royal Navy in each year since 1997 is as follows:

Number

1997 23

1998 ¹20

1999 ¹21

2000 ¹22

2001 ¹21

2002 ²19

2003 ²19

¹This includes three HUNT class ships converted for NI patrol duties, but which until March 2002 were at 90 days notice for MCM duties.

²This includes HMS Bridport, which has been placed in a state of extended readiness since March 2002.

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§ Dr. Julian Lewis
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the requirement for nine countermeasures vessels has changed since the Strategic Defence Review. [150868]

§ Mr. Ingram
The Strategic Defence Review concluded that we should maintain a force of modern and capable mine counter measure vessels. That remains our policy.

	Number
1997	23
1998	¹20
1999	¹21
2000	¹22
2001	¹21
2002	²19
2003	²19
¹This includes three HUNT class ships converted for NI patrol duties, but which until March 2002 were at 90 days notice for MCM duties.
²This includes HMS Bridport, which has been placed in a state of extended readiness since March 2002.