§ Mr. Beanasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he is considering the reintroduction of diesel-powered submarines in the Royal Navy;
(2) if any design work has been carried out on a new class of diesel-powered submarine for the Royal Navy.
§ Dr. GilbertSeventeen diesel-powered submarines of the Oberon and Porpoise classes are in Royal Navy service. We are considering whether there is a requirement for a new class of conventional submarine. Some feasibility studies have been undertaken, but no decision has yet been made and there has been no detailed design work.