§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is estimated to be the maximum effective life of a conventional submarine and of a nuclear attack submarine, having regard both to safety and to the increasing cost of maintenance with age.
§ Mr. BlakerThe planned minimum life of both our conventional and nuclear attack submarines is 25 years. However, this period can often be extended by regular maintenance and improvements at refit. The resultant maximum life will vary from ship to ship according to circumstances.