To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decisions have been taken in respect of the (a) repair and (b) replacement of HMS Endurance; what tenders have been sought in respect of damage caused to her; what the cost was of her return to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. (304687)

Options for restoring our Ice Patrol capability are presently being examined and no final decisions on whether to repair or replace HMS Endurance have yet been taken. Therefore, no tenders have yet been sought. The cost to the Department of returning her to the United Kingdom was approximately £4.3 million.