Submarines (Hansard, 16 November 1987)

Mr. O'Neill
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of submariners are volunteers.

§ Mr. Freeman
Currently around half the ratings entering the submarine service are volunteers, and 80 per cent. of all those serving are volunteers for further service. Virtually all officers are volunteers.

Mr. O'Neill
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present manpower strength of the submarine service.

§ Mr. Freeman
The manpower strength of the submarine service at 30 September 1987, the latest date for which figures are available, was 8,341.

Mr. O'Neill
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the W class SSN will have a vertical launch Harpoon capability.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
We are as yet in a very early stage of defining the staff requirement for the follow-on class SSN, and it is too early to say what capabilities the class will have.

Mr. O'Neill
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the first four Upholder class submarines will enter Royal Navy service.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
It is not the practice to reveal acceptance dates in advance.

Mr. O'Neill
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of updating the sonar on Oberon class submarines.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
It is not the practice to publicise project costs which are commercially confidential between the Ministry of Defence and individual contractors.

Mr. O'Neill
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent discussions he has had with his Canadian counterpart concerning the sale of nuclear submarines;
(2) what recent discussions he has had with his United States counterpart concerning the sale of nuclear submarines to Canada.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
My right hon. Friend last met his United States counterpart earlier this month, when a wide range of issues, including the proposed Canadian procurement of nuclear-powered submarines was discussed.