To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many minehunters were (a) on active service and (b) in reserve in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2007; what plans he has to change the numbers; and if he will make a statement. (153441)

In 1997 there were 18 Mine Counter-Measure Vessels (MCMVs) in service and capable of mine-hunting operations. There are currently 16 MCMVs in service. There were no such vessels in reserve either in 1997 or 2007.

There are currently no plans to change the number of MCMVs.