Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 12 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 September 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 18 September 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answers of 9th September, ref 127274 and to the honourable Member for Hereford of 4th February, Official Report, column 174W, on HMS Sheffield, what the reasons are for the difference between the cost of operating HMS Sheffield in 2001-02 and the cost of operating ships in the same class in the same year; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures and ref to 4 February 2003, 399 c174-5W.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answers of 9 September 2003, ref 127274 and to the hon. Member for Hereford of 4 February 2003, Official Report, column 174W, on HMS Sheffield, what the reasons are for the difference between the cost of operating HMS Sheffield in 2001-02 and the cost of operating ships in the same class in the same year; and if he will make a statement. [130315] Mr. Ingram: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 4 February 2003, Official Report, column 174W. There was a misprint in Hansard and the figure for HMS Sheffield's annual operating costs should have read £35 million. The average annual operating costs for Batch 3 Type 22 Frigates I gave in my answer of 9 September 2003, ref 127274 was £11.9 million. The apparent discrepancy arose because the cost for HMS Sheffield included an element for depreciation and cost of capital, but excluded annual maintenance, while the costs provided for Batch 3 Type 22 Frigates included maintenance but excluded depreciation and cost of capital.

Secondary information