§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the final nuclear safety justification for HMS Sceptre will take place; and when he expects the submarine to be fully operational. [91032]
§ Mr. IngramI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 15 January,Official Report, column 638W. The final nuclear safety justification is planned for February 2003. This should permit HMS Sceptre's reactor to be powered up and tested prior to the submarine going to sea for the usual post refit trials and training before she returns to operations.