§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the recent failure in the steering system of the atomic-powered submarine Torbay in Plymouth sound. [25395]
§ Mr. SoamesHMS Torbay's electrical primary steering gear failed as the submarine was leaving Devonport naval base on 12 March. Torbay was brought to a controlled stop under her primary hydraulic steering gear, which was activated automatically. She then moved to a mooring buoy and, following successful checks and repairs, proceeded to sea. She remained under control at all times and was throughout accompanied by two tugs, as is standard practice for nuclear submarines in Plymouth sound, although a third tug was made available as a precaution. This was a minor incident with no nuclear or other safety implications.