Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Monday, 24 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 July 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 1 July 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what savings will accrue from the withdrawal from operational service of HMS Talent ahead of her refit; and for what reasons HMS Talent has been laid up until her refit commences.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings will accrue from the withdrawal from operational service of HMS Talent ahead of her refit; and for what reasons HMS Talent has been laid up until her refit commences. [64818] Mr. Ingram: HMS Talent reached her maximum permissible commission length in mid-June and has been laid-up prior to entering a long overhaul period in Devonport dockyard in spring 2003. The delay in starting the overhaul results from a need to profile the work load of Devonport dockyard efficiently, to deconflict with the refit of HMS Vanguard, and to balance available funds with more high priority competing demands. Few, if any, savings will accrue. The Royal Navy manpower released will be deployed elsewhere. Minor savings that might be realised from reduced operating costs will be offset by charges for essential services during the lay-up period.

Secondary information