Navy chiefs have brought almost all the fleet's ships into dock to save money, according to reports.

The service is facing a reported �500m budget deficit which is forcing it to reduce operations around the world.

Drug-enforcement patrols in the West Indies have been cancelled, while all ships have been withdrawn from the Pacific and Mediterranean.

Spare parts

The Indedependent on Sunday reports that the captains of navy frigates have been ordered to sail at 15 knots to save fuel.

And it says Armed Forces Minister John Spellar has confirmed that 14 ships have been withdrawn from exercises.

It is also reported that the decommissioned destroyer HMS Birmingham has been towed to Plymouth to be stripped for spare parts to ensure remaining destroyers can continue to operate.

Just three ships will still be at sea at Christmas it is said - HMS Somerset, which will be on a visit to South Africa, HMS Dumbarton Castle, which is on a tour of the Falkands and HMS Exeter which is on patrol in the Gulf.

East Timor aid

The Conservatives said the defence budget was in crisis.

HMS Northumberland returned to Devonport last week after being deployed in the Caribbean. During her tour of duty, the ship was been involved in counter-drug operations.

HMS Cumberland also returned to the UK earlier this month following a three-month deployment in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Meanwhile HMS Glasgow returned to Portsmouth in November after helping to restore law and order in East Timor.