Written question asked by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Monday, 11 January 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 January 2016. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 January 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Nuclear Submarines

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 8 December 2015 (HL4047), whether the build time of HMS Vanguard from beginning of whole boat construction to commissioning was six years 11 months; and, if so, why the first Vanguard replacement will take in excess of 14 years, as laid out in the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Answer: The Vanguard class were built at the end of an extensive period of UK submarine production. UK industrial capacity diminished following the subsequent 10 year gap in submarine building, which is a key factor in the Successor build schedule. Additionally, the Vanguard build duration, which was more than eight years in duration, did not include sea trials, which take several years. The dates for Successor reported in the Strategic Defence and Security Review do include that activity.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL4886
Session: 2015-16
Related items: Astute Class Submarines
Monday, 1 February 2016
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Shipbuilding Nuclear submarines HMS Vanguard
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk