Written question asked by Lord Moonie (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 November 2008.

Armed Forces: Warships

Question: How much time is expected to elapse in the service life of each (a) Type 22, (b) Type 23, (c) Type 43, and (d) Type 45 warship between each scheduled period of refit or extended maintenance.

Answer: The MoD does not normally provide details of plans for future upkeep periods for Royal Navy vessels until such time as the upkeep work has been allocated and the contract awarded. To release future upkeep plans could enable deductions to be made that could be prejudicial to the capability, effectiveness and security of the Royal Navy. The time each Type 22 or Type 23 frigate and Type 42 destroyer spends in refit depends on a number of factors, including the material state and operational deployment of the vessel, but is generally in excess of one year. The time between refits is generally in excess of four years. The first of the Type 45 destroyers is due to enter service in 2010.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 705 c129WA; 5880
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Repairs and maintenance Warships Type 23 frigates Type 45 destroyers Type 22 frigates Type 42 destroyers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk