§ 77 and 78. Captain Kerbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) what was the cost of refitting and re-engining the submarine H.M.S. "Turpin" in 1956–57; and how many 49W months' service this submarine carried out after that refit before breaking down again;
(2) what is the estimated cost and duration of the refit and further re-engining that the submarine H.M.S. "Turpin" is carrying out in Devonport at present; and whether he is satisfied that the expense incurred is in the national interest, in view of the fact that in 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1959 H.M.S. "Turpin" will have had over three years' refitting and two new sets of main engines for only four or five months' active and useful service.
§ Mr. AllanI do not want to minimise "Turpin's" misfortunes, but they are not typical nor are they so bad as these Questions make out. From the middle of 1954 until the start of her current refit, "Turpin" was in commission for about 28 months and refitting for about 14 months. I have already explained, in the reply to my hon. Friend on 18th June, that her next programmed refit has been brought forward so that, on its completion, she may do a full 2 years' commission.
"Turpin's" last refit cost £379,000. Her present one is expected to take 12 months and to cost about £240,000. I am satisfied that this work must be done. When basic defects of this nature occur we must find the remedy for them: we cannot abandon the problem and scrap the vessel.