HC Deb 27 October 1965 vol 718 cc57-8W
Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the faults that have been discovered in the hull of the Dreadnought submarine.

Mr. Mayhew

A routine survey carried out while H.M.S. "Dreadnought" was in dock last August revealed hairline cracks

makes progress through thick undergrowth easier; it has therefore proved more suitable for these operations than the 1958 pattern. As a result of operational experience certain modifications to the 1944 pattern equipment are being incorporated in current production and the possibility of developing a lighter-weight waterproof equipment is being examined.