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Nuclear Submarines

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what fires have taken place on UK nuclear powered submarines since 1979. [265176] [Official Report, 2 April 2009, Vol. 490, c. 1396W.] Letter of correction from Bill Rammell: An error has been identified in the written answer given to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson) on 2 April 2009. The figure cited for the number of medium-scale fires was incorrect. The correct full answer should have been: Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The records of fire incidents onboard UK nuclear submarines are not held centrally prior to 1 January 1987. Since this date the Royal Navy records provide the following information: 213 small-scale fires, that are categorised as a localised fire such as a minor electrical fault creating smoke dealt with quickly and effectively using minimal onboard resources. 20 medium-scale fires that were generally categorised as a localised fire such as a failure of mechanical equipment creating smoke and flame requiring use of significant onboard resources. Three fires occurred while the submarines involved were in naval bases, requiring both ship and external resources.