HC Deb 19 October 1998 vol 317 cc888-9W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the remote-operated submarine abandoned by HMS Cromer has been replaced. [54923]

Mr. Doug Henderson

On 17 March 1998, HMS Cromer was obliged to temporarily abandon her Remote Controlled Mine Disposal Vehicle (RCMDV) while assisting in the location of the wreck of a fishing vessel. As soon as HMS Cromer returned to base port her RCMDV was replaced by a spare, in order to restore the warship's capability. As the original vehicle was recovered and will be returned to service shortly, it will not be necessary to purchase a replacement.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary action has been taken concerning(a) the logs of and (b) the decision to abandon HMS Cromer's yellow submarine. [54922]

Mr. Doug Henderson

None.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Cromer's remote-operated submarine was purchased and at what cost; and what it would cost to replace. [54924]

Mr. Doug Henderson

HMS Cromer's Remote Controlled Mine Disposal Vehicle was purchased in 1996. As configured, the unit cost of a vehicle on this contract was some £230K. As the vehicle was recovered and will be returned to service shortly it is not necessary to purchase a replacement.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Cromer lost her yellow remote-operated submarine; what attempts were made to find it; when the decision was taken to abandon it; and if he will make a statement. [54925]

Mr. Doug Henderson

On 17 March 1998 the Mine-hunter, HMS Cromer, dispatched a Remote Controlled Mine Disposal Vehicle (RCMDV) in an attempt to assist the Marine Accidents Investigation Branch in locating the wreck of the fishing vessel Margaretha Maria. In the process of making a positive identification of the wreck, the RCMDV became entangled in the sunken trawler's nets. Its location was confirmed but, as it could not readily be recovered at that time, it was temporarily abandoned to enable HMS Cromer to continue with each scheduled duties. The RCMDV was subsequently picked up by a trawler. The salvors have submitted a salvage claim but as yet no settlement has been agreed.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has settled the salvage claim in respect of the yellow submarine lost from HMS Cromer; and for what sum. [54921]

Mr. Doug Henderson

No settlement has yet been reached with regard to this salvage claim.