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Destroyer numbers appear to be set to drop to six in the coming weeks (ooh one for one T45 replacement!) as Southampton and Exeter enter port for the last time. Interesting comment as both are scheduled to decommission in 2009, however, Southampton entered port for the last time on 7 March to go into extended readiness. Of interest a visit to her homeport on 3 March was cancelled due to "a routine short notice change in her schedule. These visits are always important to home cities but we can't say whether or not she will return to Southampton any time soon." Exeter is expected to enter a period of ER when she returns from the Med. With regard to Extended Readiness the following PQ was tabled on 6 Mar: Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which ships he expects to enter a period of extended readiness in 2008. Mr. Bob Ainsworth: As explained in my predecessor's letter to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 6 March 2007, 'extended' readiness is not a term currently used by the MOD, in regard to the fleet. The normal operating cycle of every ship includes periods of low readiness, and in the course of 2008 a number of ships will enter periods of 'low' or 'very low' readiness depending on their programmes and departmental planning requirements. As outlined in the aforementioned letter, with the exception of HMS Invincible and ships in, or preparing for, refit, it remains MOD policy not to publish details of the readiness states of individual Royal Navy vessels or types for reasons of national security. In line with this policy, I can confirm that the following RN surface ships are currently at low or very low readiness: the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible; and the amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean, and three destroyers and frigates, HMS York, HMS Sutherland and HMS St. Albans, all of which are in refit.