H.M.S. "Conqueror"

HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 c212W

Mr. Parry

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the recent flooding of H.M.S. "Conqueror";

(2) on what date H.M.S. "Conqueror was originally due to be commissioned;

(3) what delay the recent flooding of H.M.S. "Conqueror" will have on the anticipated date of its commission;

(4) what will be the cost of the delay of the commissioning of H.M.S. "Conqueror" due to the recent flooding.

Lord Balniel

The flooding incident is still being investigated and it would be premature to make a statement on its causes except that it is known that there is no question of sabotage or malicious damage. The current view is that the presently planned programme can be maintained and thus no cost of delay arises. No commissioning date has yet been set for this vessel.

Mr. Parry

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the cause of the damage to the gearbox of H.M.S. "Conqueror".

Lord Balniel

The main gearbox was damaged by the insertion of foreign bodies into the gearbox, but the report of the inquiry was inconclusive as to whether the damage was simply malicious or an act of sabotage.

Mr. Parry

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the cost of damage to the gearbox of H.M.S. "Conqueror".

Lord Balniel

It is not normal practice to disclose such costs.