HL Deb 24 January 2005 vol 668 cc136-7WA
Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their current estimate of the annual operational cost of (a) HMS "Invincible" and (b) HMS "Illustrious". [HL719]

Lord Bach

For 2005–06, the estimated annual operation costs of HMS "Invincible" are £61.9 million and HMS "Illustrious" are £87.2 million.

These figures include the costs of contractor support periods.

The significant variation between these two figures reflects the differing levels of depreciation on refit expenditure and that HMS "Invincible" will move into a lower state of readiness during 2005–06.