Ocean, farewell

SIR – You report (February 17) that HMS Ocean has been sold to the Brazilian navy for £84 million.

This ship was brought up to date barely four years ago, at a cost of £65 million. If it was redundant, why was the money spent? If it wasn’t, what will its replacement cost?

It would be interesting to know whether the Navy or the Treasury made the decision to get rid of the ship. The Cunard QE2 saw 40 years’ service, including the Falklands conflict, yet HMS Ocean has been deemed surplus after just 20 years.

Britain’s finances are stretched. Can we afford to waste millions like some banana republic? Phil Williams

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

SIR – Your report did not mention the strategic implications of HMS Ocean’s possible deployment against the Royal Navy in the event of Argentina and its allies launching another invasion of the Falkland Islands.

R P L Morris-jones

Rugby, Warwickshire