To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in establishing estimated through-life costs of warships and other RN and RFA vessels; whether the estimates will be published in the Annual Major Projects Report; and when key stages on the route to publication will be reached. [98242]
Whole life cost estimates are being developed for all major Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels as part of the Ministry of Defence's Through Life Management Planning process. The first phase of this work is due to complete in March 2003. A note on progress in developing whole life cost information was contained in Major Projects Report 2002, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. It is planned that Major Projects Report 2003 will include whole life cost data on the 20 projects for which the main investment decision has been taken. This will include the Astute submarine, the Type 45 Destroyer and the Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary). The National Audit Office expect to publish their report at the end of the year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the HMS Glasgow refit will be complete; how much it will cost; whether it is on budget; what the target date is for completion; when the ship will be ready for service; and if he will make a statement. [98848]
HMS Glasgow has not undergone a refit. The ship was in extended readiness and regeneration work has been carried out in preparation for her rejoining the Fleet, to ease the short-term programming gap created by HMS Nottingham's unavailability. This package of work cost approximately £2.5 million, and was completed in December 2002 and within budget. On the return of ship's personnel from Operation Fresco, HMS Glasgow will undergo Sea Trials and training requirements before returning to the Fleet.This regeneration work will enable HMS Glasgow to be available for operations until HMS Nottingham returns to service in November 2004, after which, on current plans, she will be in Extended Readiness.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of the repairs being carried out on the HMS St. Albans; when it will be ready for service; and if he will make a statement. [98849]
The final cost of the incident involving HMS St. Albans, including her repair, is not yet known, but it is estimated to be less than £5 million. The repair work has been completed and the ship commenced harbour training on 11 February 2003. Although the crew from St. Albans have been assisting in Operation FRESCO, the ship is currently able to undertake some basic sea safety training, prior to the start of Operational Sea Training, scheduled for the end of March. This training is planned to complete in the summer and the vessel will then be available for operational tasking.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the (a) HMS Monmouth and (b) HMS Campbeltown refit will be complete; how much it will cost; whether it is on budget; what the target date is for completion; when the ship will be ready for service; and if he will make a statement. [98341]
HMS Monmouth's refit at Rosyth is planned for completion in June 2003 and following associated sea trials she is expected to be ready for operational deployment later that month. The final refit costs will be determined once all work is completed, but are expected to remain within budget and be in the region of ££19 million.HMS Campbeltown's refit at Devonport is planned for completion in March 2003 and following associated sea trials she is expected to be ready for operational deployment in April 2003. Like HMS Monmouth, her final refit costs will be agreed once all work is completed, but are expected to remain within budget and be in the region of £10 million.Both refits involve necessary equipment refurbishment and enhancements to their operational and support systems.