Written question asked by David Heath (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 1999. It was answered by Peter Kilfoyle (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What is the anticipated date in service of the new HMS `Albion' and HMS `Bulwark'. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the anticipated date in service of the new HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. [100985] Mr. Kilfoyle: HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, the two Landing Platform Dock (Replacements), were planned to enter service in 2002 and 2003 respectively. These dates have, however, slipped due to industrial loading problems at the BAe Systems shipyard at Barrow. The current estimate of the slippage indicates delays to the in service dates of around one year for the first ship and some nine months for the second ship. Discussions with the company continue, with the aim of reducing these delays.

Secondary information