HC Deb 08 November 1967 vol 753 cc108-9W
46. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made in the production of nuclear cores for fleet submarines.

Mr. Mason

All cores for fleet submarines, with the exception of the first core for H.M.S. "Dreadnought", have been made in this country by Messrs. Rolls-Royce at Derby. A production rate consistent with the building and refuelling programme has been established. So far these cores have been built to an American design. However, Rolls-Royce have now developed a more powerful, all-British, core which will begin evaluation trials next year. This will be installed in the first of the new Improved Valiant class of high performance fleet submarines (the SSN 07 whose order I was pleased to announce last Saturday), early in 1971.

49. Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made in building up the fleet submarine force.

Mr. Foley

As was announced on Saturday, the seventh nuclear fleet submarine has been ordered from Messrs. Vickers Ltd., Barrow. She will be the first of a new improved class of fleet submarines.