Written question asked by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Thursday, 3 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the current status of the repairs to the submarine flotilla.

Answer: Mr. Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current status of the repairs to the submarine flotilla. [160686] Mr. Spellar: The repairs to the SSNs recalled last October are progressing well. Although straightforward in engineering terms, the work has involved the development of engineering techniques. This has been given the highest priority and I am able to say that the repairs to HMS Torbay and HMS Tireless have been completed successfully. HMS Torbay remains in refit and HMS Tireless, sailed yesterday from Gibraltar to return to duty.

Secondary information