6. Dr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the date of the last refit to the submarine "Aurochs"; where it took place; what failures of equipment subsequently occurred in service, and when; on what date she was surveyed; on what date she was taken out of service; and on what date her commission was otherwise to have terminated.
§ Mr. MayhewH.M.S. "Aurochs" was last refitted at Portsmouth Dockyard from July, 1962 to March, 1963. On 22nd June, 1964, two pipes failed in the after end of the boat. On 1st September a snort muffler and an engine exhaust valve leaked. On 4th September a defect developed in the mechanism of the after hydroplane. The submarine was surveyed on 28th and 29th September, 1964, and was taken out of service on 5th October, 1964. She was in any case due for survey in November, 1964, to see if she would be 820 fit to remain in service for up to a further ten months.
Dr. BennettWill the right hon. Gentleman say that steps have been taken to look into why these failures were possible in the circumstances, as surely they were too serious and too soon after refit to have been taken as ordinary failures in service? Could he say that steps have been taken to prevent such failures from being able to occur again so that such excellent men should not be so unfairly hazarded?
§ Mr. MayhewTwo of the defects were serious. I appreciate the hon. Member's anxiety, and I have looked into this. As a result of reorganisation of the dockyards, we hope to improve inspection of any refits in the future.