HL Deb 15 July 1977 vol 385 cc1105-7

11.15 a.m.

The Earl of KINNOULL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how soon they will announce a decision to place an order for hovercraft to be used as countermeasures against mines, following the long and exhaustive evaluation trials.

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, we are still considering our future policy for the use of hovercraft in this role in the light of trials experience and of the other factors involved. I cannot therefore say when a decision on ordering these craft will be taken.

The Earl of KINNOULL

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Although he realises that these evaluation tests have been taking place for over three years, and although I accept the general expenditure restrictions, can he say whether the Royal Navy sees this as a potential role for hovercraft? Can he say whether the capital cost would be a great deal less expensive than the more conventional minesweeper? Furthermore, can he say whether the hovercraft is known to have an advantage with regard to underwater explosions in so far as it may be less susceptible to them?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, I cannot answer the last point made by the noble Earl, Lord Kinnoull, but quite clearly this form of vehicle has potential. For that reason the studies are continuing. The work will continue until 1979–80 when the total evaluation will be complete. All I can say at this stage is that there is potential, but the total potential as offset against the problems which arise from using this aircraft has not yet been evaluated.

The Earl of KINNOULL

My Lords, could not the noble Lord go a little further and comment on the future of the Inter-Service Trials Unit at Lee-on-Solent? Of course, concern is felt by industry with regard to employment that it will not be abandoned in the next two years. Secondly, could the noble Lord indicate whether the French industry now has a competitive hovercraft?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, the Inter-Service Hovercraft Unit operated for 12 years and was disbanded, but the Royal Navy has carried on with the experimental work because there is potential in this area. But that potential has yet to be evaluated. Unfortunately, I cannot report on the French position.

Lord ELTON

My Lords, the noble Lord has said that the evaluation will be completed in two years. Can he say when it started and how long the whole process will take?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

No, my Lords; the actual experimental work has now been going on for some 14 years over the whole range of use of hovercraft for military purposes. That may seem a long time, but one cannot expect immediate answers with an entirely new technique.

Lord ELTON

My Lords, as this form of transportation is in regular service for the public across the Channel, and has been for a number of years, may I express the hope that the noble Lord will not feel that the House will regard it as precipitous if he reaches a conclusion before two years have elapsed?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, to take trippers across the Channel is one thing; to take the craft to a hostile coast is another.