§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the basis was of the decision to decommission HMS Ark Royal in 2013. [162805]
§ Mr. IngramThe replacement of the Invincible class aircraft carriers (CVS) by the future aircraft carriers (CVF) will be achieved through a phased programme. This will see CVF introduced prior to the full withdrawal of the CVS. It is intended that HMS Ark Royal will be the last CVS to be withdrawn from service in 2013.
§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what engine problems have been experienced by HMS Albion; and if he will make a statement. [162951]
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§ Mr. IngramThe engines on HMS Albion have proved to be extremely reliable in service. There have only been a small number of defects, none of them significant. While there have been defects affecting the supporting cooling systems and electrical control systems, these have been rectified by the shipbuilder and the systems have generally performed to a level consistent with any First of Class vessel entering service.
§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) for what reasons HMS Triumph is being laid up prior to her refit; and for how long the vessel will have been laid up before refit work commences; [162953]
(2) what the basis was of the decision to decommission HMS Triumph 12 months before its refit was due to commence; and what functions the ship will undertake prior to decommissioning. [162806]
§ Mr. IngramHMS Triumph will begin her refit in summer 2005, as originally planned. She arrived in Devonport at the end of January 2004 and her further operation will not be possible until essential refuelling and safety justification work has been undertaken. Once HMS Talent, currently in refit, vacates her dock, the dock-dependent refit work on HMS Triumph will begin. In the meantime, to make optimum use of the facilities and resources at the dockyard, the Department is seeking to reduce the overall length of the refit by identifying that work which is not dependent on a dry dock and may be undertaken ahead of the main refit and refuelling work. In addition, a reduced ship's company, in conjunction with dockyard employees, will conduct trials to inform the content of the refit package.
§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the operational status is of HMS Ark Royal; and whether she is being put out into extended readiness; [162974]
(2) how many Royal Navy aircraft carriers are operational. [162978]
§ Mr. IngramThere are currently two operational Royal Navy aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible and HMS Ark Royal. HMS Ark Royal is currently operational, but will be moved to a state of extended readiness from April 2004. HMS Illustrious will return to operational service in 2005 following a period in refit.