Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 February 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 February 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) original cost and (b) annual operating cost is of HMS Sheffield. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) original cost and (b) annual operating cost is of HMS Sheffield. [94573] Mr. Ingram: The cost of HMS Sheffield's construction, including all weapon systems and equipment, was £159 million. Her annual operating cost; including manpower, fuel and port visits, depreciation and cost of capital is assessed to be £5 million. This is an annual average figure based on direct costs charged for financial year 2001-02, which was the last full financial year prior to her decommissioning in November 2002. In addition, during 1992 HMS Sheffield underwent a planned docking period for routine repair work. While the exact cost of the period is no longer available, it is estimated that it would have cost some £5 million to £6 million, based on other similar work at the time. In 1996, HMS Sheffield underwent a major refit at a cost of about £15.9 million. This was her last major upkeep period.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 94573; 399 c174-5W;399 c174W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Costs Construction Staff Repairs and maintenance Operating costs HMS Sheffield
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk