Navy funds were diverted to the Army, claims the NAO report

A National Audit Office (NAO) report said the Navy was particularly hard hit because of a deliberate decision to concentrate on the Army.

Colin Breed, Lib Dem defence spokesman, called for the Defence Secretary to make a statement to the Commons.

Mr Breed hopes to question Dr John Reid about the future of Plymouth's Devonport Dockyard.

No risk

During question time in the Commons Mr Breed, South East Cornwall MP, asked the Leader of the House to arrange for Dr Reid to make a statement on the NAO report, which would provide an opportunity of raising the question of Devonport and its future role as a dockyard and naval base.

The National Audit Office cited some "serious weaknesses" and claimed Navy funds had been diverted to the Army for duties in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It said in the worst-case scenario, just over half the British fleet would be ready on schedule.

But Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said British troops would not be put at risk despite the high level of commitments.