§ 2. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many vessels are currently available for mine counter-measure activity.
§ Mr. HardyDoes not that answer illustrate the inadequacy of Government policy and justify yesterday's comment that it is a dangerous gamble with national security? Is there now, or will there be when Trident enters service—if it does—an adequate mine counter-measure capability?
§ Mr. GoodhartI should have hoped that the hon. Gentleman would welcome the passage in the latest statement on defence that says that the number of mine counter-measure vessels will be increased.
§ Mr. Stephen RossSince the Under-Secretary takes the view that surface ships are now too vulnerable and too costly to be used for the sophisticated mine warfare that we are likely to experience in any future combat, what role is being envisaged for hovercraft in this capacity? If things that go over or under water are now to have priority, surely hovercraft should come into consideration.
§ Mr. GoodhartHovercraft evaluation has been continuing for some time, but the basic problem is that the sonars needed in the mine-sweeping role cannot operate effectively at the speed of the hovercraft. However, we hope that that problem will be solved soon.
§ Mr. CormackHow many vessels will be available for the Falkland Islands patrol? Can my hon. Friend confirm that there will be no question of withdrawing that patrol?
§ Mr. GoodhartCertainly there will be no mine-sweeping facilities for the Falkland Islands patrol. That question is still under consideration, and I have no doubt that it will be touched on in tomorrow's debate.