§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to sell submarines in the last two years; with whom he negotiated; and if he will make a statement. [10138]
§ Dr. MoonieI refer the hon. Member to the answer my noble Friend Lord Robertson, the then Secretary of State for Defence, gave on 6 April 1998,Official Report, column 56W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth (John Healey) and my answers to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 23 October 2000, Official Report, column 30W, and 19 December 2000, Official Report, column 89W, the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 31 October 2000, Official Report, column 341W, the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith) on 20 December 2000, Official Report, column 184W, the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford (Mr. Davies) on 20 July 2001, Official Report, column 717W, and the hon. Member for Henley (Mr. Johnson) on 20 July 2001, Official Report, columns 717–18W.
Canada has acquired the four ex-Royal Navy Upholder class submarines. The acquisition takes the form of an eight-year lease with the option of outright purchase.
The first of the refurbished submarines was handed over to Canada on 6 October 2000, with the second submarine being handed over to Canada on 4 October 2001. It is planned that the two remaining submarines will follow over the next 14 months. Canada has exercised its option to purchase outright the first submarine, HMCS Victoria.