HC Deb 07 December 1960 vol 631 cc1246-7
16. Captain Litchfield

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether any of the submarines launched in 1959 have joined the Fleet.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Yes, Sir, two of the five. H.M.S. "Finwhale", a Porpoise Class boat built by Cammell Laird, was completed last July and H.M.S. "Orpheus", built by Vickers-Armstrongs, Barrow, was handed over by the builders a few days ago. The "Orpheus" is the first of the new Oberon Class to join the Fleet.

Captain Litchfield

Can my hon. Friend say when the other three will be coming along?

Mr. Ellis Smith

And how much they will cost?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

"Walrus" and "Sea Lion", the remaining two Porpoise Class boats, are due to be completed in February and July of 1961, respectively. The second of the Oberon Class, "Oberon" herself, we expect to be ready in February.