Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 15 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 January 1999. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 21 January 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the expected average time between major refits for Project Horizon ships.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the expected average time between major refits for Project Horizon ships. [66665] Mr. Spellar: The maintenance philosophy for CNGF is based on a continuous process of repair and update. It is expected that the length of upkeep periods will be reduced, scheduled maintenance will be minimised, and the docking period will be extended to five years. There will be no major refits, but there will be four docking periods, of six months each, at five year intervals during the planned 25 year life of the ship.

Secondary information