Submarine SSN.07

HC Deb 13 December 1967 vol 756 c419

32. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements on the original Valiant class the new Fleet submarine SSN.07 represents.

Mr. Mason

The SSN.07 is the first of a new class of high performance Fleet submarines. These will go faster and dive deeper than the Valiant class. They will also have longer endurance and more advanced equipment.

Mr. Hamling

Can my hon. Friend also assure the House that they will be cheaper in real terms?

Mr. Mason

They will be very much cheaper in real terms, since the new class of "Valiant" submarine with a new nuclear reactor will be able to stay at sea for nearly twice as long as its predecessor.