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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many of the Trafalgar class nuclear powered submarines are in active service and at sea; [216811] (2) how many of the Trafalgar class submarines are in dock for (a) scheduled repairs and (b) refuelling; [216812] (3) how many of the Trafalgar class submarines are not in service (a) undergoing and (b) awaiting unscheduled (i) inspection and (ii) repairs; [216813] (4) what the nature is of the defect in the nuclear propulsion system of those Trafalgar class submarines undergoing (a) inspection and (b) repair; and when the boats of the Trafalgar class flotilla will be back to normal operating strength. [216814] Mr. Ingram: There are seven Trafalgar Class submarines in active service of which four are currently available for FLEET programming. Of the remaining boats, two are in dock: one is undergoing a scheduled Long Overhaul Period, which includes a refuel (LOP(R)) and the other is undergoing a scheduled Revalidation and Assisted Maintenance Period (RAMP). A further boat is awaiting the start of Her LOP(R). Two boats are currently subject to unscheduled operating restrictions, due to an emergent issue that was identified during routine reviews of their safety cases. Further safety justification work is under way and, while there has been no failure of components, until a robust safety case has been re-established the safest course of action is to limit their operation. For the purposes of FLEET programming, no distinction is made between the Swiftsure and Trafalgar Class submarines. Consequently, there is not actually a full operating strength for the Trafalgar Class. A generic SSN Readiness Profile is used, but to release details of this would prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of the SSN force, so this data is being withheld under exemptions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1344W;431 c1338W; 216811;216812;216813;216814

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Deployment Navigation Repairs and maintenance Trafalgar class submarines

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk