HC Deb 18 May 1972 vol 837 cc673-4
15. Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Minister of State for Defence what plans he has to replace HMS "Reclaim".

Mr. Kirk

HMS "Reclaim" still has a number of years of service ahead of her. The question of a replacement is under study.

Mr. Reed

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Sea-bed Arms Control Treaty comes into operation this very day? is he also aware that the need to verify the teams of this treaty might arise more rapidly than is expected, as American action in mining the ports of North Vietnam amply demonstrate and does he not consider it appropriate for the Navy to expand its under-water engineering capability?

Mr. Kirk

We are at present developing a new technique of deep diving and investigating the equipment needed for it. It would be better to await a replacement for HMS "Reclaim" until we have finished that investigation.

Mr. Dalyell

Has HMS "Reclaim" got more than five years to go?

Mr. Kirk

She can go on well into the 1970s, yes.