Written question asked by Gary Streeter (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2006. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 March 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Nuclear Submarines

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the award of the contract to refit the nuclear submarine HMS Torbay to Babcock Naval Services in Scotland represents a change in policy in relation to the refit of nuclear submarines; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 27 March 2006]: HMS Torbay is due to commence a routine pre-planned Revalidation and Assisted Maintenance Period (RAMP) in early 2007. Although such work is normally undertaken at a submarine's home port, which in Torbay's case is Devonport, the decision to move her RAMP to Faslane was made because of the heavy programme of work at Devonport and a relatively light loading at Faslane during the same time period. This is consistent with the Department's drive to improve submarine availability, reduce costs and improve co-operation between key suppliers.Nuclear submarine refit and refuelling work will continue to be carried out at Devonport Dockyard, which has the only facilities in the UK capable of undertaking such work.

Secondary information