PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS FROM PS2 THE LEADING U.K. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMPANY
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DEFENCE
Times Letter
Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he was advised, and by whom, that the named authors of a letter to The Times published on 13 May were not serving officers; [58997]
(2) when his Department informed The Times that the names of the officers purporting to have signed the letter published on 13 May were bogus. [58998]
Mr. Ingram: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence was advised on the day of publication by the Director News that the signed authors of the letter were not members of the Armed Forces.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 June 2002, Official Report, column 757W to the hon. Member for Essex North (Mr. Jenkin).
RO-RO Ferries
Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with procurement of roll-on, roll-off ferries requirement as listed in the strategic defence review. [51493]
Dr. Moonie [holding answer 25 April 2002]: Construction of the six ships to meet the Ministry of Defence’s requirement is proceeding to schedule. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 June 2002, Official Report, column 1038W to my hon. Friend the Member for Derby North (Mr. Laxton).
HMS Boxer and HMS Brave
Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his deployment plans are for HMS Boxer and HMS Brave. [66761]
Mr. Ingram: HMS Boxer and HMS Brave are currently moored at HM Naval Base, Portsmouth.
The ships have been de-equipped to an unclassified status and all stores have been removed. As part of the disposal process, significant quantities of material have been returned to Ministry of Defence stores to assist with fulfilling fleet shortage requirements.
The platforms are designated for CINCFLEET High Seas Firing (i.e. Hulk Targets) in 2003-05.
HMS Victoria
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of repairs being made to HMS Victoria; how much of this cost the UK will bear; and if he will make a statement. [67422]
8 Jul 2002 : Column: 711W
Mr. Ingram: My officials have not received any formal representations from the Canadian Government about the condition of the ex upholder class submarine HMS Unseen, now re-named HMCS Victoria, and as such have no information about the cost of repairs. My officials will of course assist with any Canadian inquiries.
HMS Monmouth
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the refit of HMS Monmouth will be complete; what the total cost of the refit will be; when she will return to service; and if he will make a statement. [67143]
Mr. Ingram: HMS Monmouth’s refit, including associated sea trials, is planned to complete in spring 2003, at which time the ship will be available for operational deployment. The final price of the refit is still in negotiation, and will be based upon the eventual work package that will emerge from ship surveys. However, it is expected to be in the region of £19 million.
Invincible Class Carriers
Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the establishment of pilots on 84 Squadron is; and how many of these are civilians. [67560]
Mr. Ingram: Five pilots are established on 84 Squadron including the Commanding Officer. None of the pilots is a civilian.
Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ground crew support the operations of 84 Squadron; and how many of these are civilians. [67561]
Mr. Ingram: Forty-seven ground crew support the operations of 84 Squadron. None of the ground crew is a civilian.
Armilla Patrol
Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many vessels have been searched by Armilla Patrol warships in each of the past five years. [67564]
8 Jul 2002 : Column: 712W
Mr. Ingram: The Royal Navy continues to make a valuable contribution to the Multinational Interc