§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the state of seaworthiness is of each Trafalgar class submarine. [134918]
§ Mr. SpellarHMS Torbay, HMS Trenchant and HMS Talent are currently undergoing refit and repair at Devonport. The initial phase of the inspection programme for Trafalgar class submarines has shown that, of these, HMS Trenchant is clear of the defect affecting HMS Tireless, which is being prepared for repair in Gibraltar. Of the remaining submarines, HMS Trafalgar and HMS Turbulent show early signs of the defect and are alongside at Devonport. HMS Triumph has been found to be clear of the defect and will return to operational duties shortly.