HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc1035-7
12. Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he anticipates reaching a conclusion about the role of hovercraft in minelaying and minesweeping.

Mr. Speed

Our trials have shown that hovercraft could have useful potential in the minesweeping role. The Royal Navy's immediate needs in this respect are, however, being catered for by the continuing introduction of the dual role Hunt class mine countermeasures vessels, so it is unlikely that hovercraft would be introduced before the end of the 1980s. We have also found the hovercraft to have potential in the minelaying role, because of its high speed. Its possible use in this field is currently being considered as part of a more general review of our minelaying capability.

Mr. Ross

Does the Minister accept that those trials have been going on for a long time? Surely a decision ought to be taken now. If not, I suggest that the capabilities of manufacturing such craft will be lost. Does the hon. Gentleman accept that it would be more cost-effective to use hovercraft than to introduce the Brecon class minesweepers, which each cost upwards of £20 million?

Mr. Speed

I am afraid that the problem relates to the equipment that would have to be fitted to the hovercraft for a minehunting role. We do not yet have equipment that is satisfactory at the high speeds at which hovercraft operate. That is one of the major limiting factors. However, there are some encouraging developments on the minelaying side, and they are presently being pursued by the hovercraft trials unit.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Can my hon. Friend say whether any of the countries which border the Straits of Hormuz have shown any interest in the experiments which are taking place, perhaps with a view to using hovercraft for minelaying and minesweeping purposes?

Mr. Speed

There is a lot of interest in hovercraft, particularly in relation to minehunting—not minesweeping. Hovercraft are not very effective for mine-sweeping, because they are not effective at low speeds. The drawback relates to the equipment that must be fitted to the hovercraft for minehunting at high speeds. I am sure that there will be a considerable interest once those problems have been solved.

Mr. Duffy

In view of the disturbing intensification of the mining threat and the relative slowness of the Hunt class coming into service, as well as its expense, does the Minister agree that he ought to reconsider more urgently than the timetable that he has in mind envisages the possible introduction of hovercraft for at least one of the roles that he has mentioned?

Mr. Speed

There is a possibility with regard to minelaying, but I stress again that in relation to minehunting—the hon. Gentleman will know that limitation—there is a technical problem, which we are doing our best to solve.