H.M.S. "Dreadnought" (Constructional Defects)

HC Deb 12 August 1966 vol 733 cc419-20W

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what constructional defects have been found in H.M.S. "Dreadnought"; and whether similar defects are apparent in other nuclear submarines now under construction.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

No constructional defect has been found in H.M.S. "Dreadnought" apart from the hairline cracks referred to in my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member for Gillingham

(Mr. Burden) on 27th October last. Similar defects have not so far been found in other nuclear submarines now under construction: some defects were discovered and repaired in H.M.S. "Valiant" before she entered service.