Remote Ammunition Facility, Tamar

HC Deb 15 May 2002 vol 385 c641W

Mr. Breed

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the estimated date is of completion of the remote ammunition facility in Tamar; [55806]

(2) what the estimated cost is of construction of the remote ammunition facility in Tamar. [55805]

Dr. Moonie

Work undertaken over the last few years has established that the effects a weapons explosion would have on a submarine and its surroundings is not as extensive as previously thought. This led to a revised safety assessment which has shown that the improvements to safety that RAFT would have provided for submarines can be met through the existing berthing facilities at Devonport naval base. The project has therefore been suspended.

Some £15 million has been spent over the 10-year life of the project. Further costs relating to the cancellation of planned work may be payable and will be subject to negotiations with the contractor.