To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportions of (a) Royal Navy and (b) Royal Marines (i) personnel and (ii) equipment are scheduled for (A) despatch to the Gulf, (B) other duties and (C) maintenance, repair and refit. [98247]
As at 18 February 2003, some 27 per cent. of Royal Navy surface ships and submarines, 15 per cent. of Royal Navy and 45 per cent. of Royal Marine trained personnel were deployed, or en-route, to the Gulf region. This compares with around 41 per cent. of Royal Navy surface ships and submarines, 14 per cent. of Royal Navy and 6 per cent. of Royal Marine trained personnel deployed on other tasks, including Operation Fresco. Some 32 per cent. of surface ships and submarines are currently in maintenance, repair or refit.No further major Royal Navy or Royal Marine deployments are currently scheduled for the Gulf.