HC Deb 08 November 1976 vol 919 cc46-7W
Mr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he has made an estimate of the length of time which will be required to carry out the necessary repairs to the BUTEC Range off Kyle of Lochalsh;

(2) what action he has taken to investigate the circumstances in which severe damage was caused to the BUTEC range off Kyle of Lochalsh;

(3) if he has made an estimate of the cost involved in repairing damage to the BUTEC Range off Kyle of Lochalsh by illegal trawling;

(4) if he has made an estimate of the cost of carrying out the testing of torpedoes on alternative sites as a result of damage caused to the testing range off Kyle of Lochalsh.

Mr. Duffy

Investigations into the damage sustained by the BUTEC range on the night of 21st-22nd October are still continuing. It is therefore not yet possible to give any estimate of the extent and cost of the repairs that will be necessary, or to assess whether alternative facilities will be required in the meantime. The cause of the incident has not yet been ascertained. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as there is anything more definite to report.