§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any turret-mounted gun in a vessel of the task force became non-operational during the Falklands war (a) by reason of barrel wear or (b) for any other reason.
§ Mr. Blaker(a) No. (b) Yes, but only temporarily.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many rounds were fired from turret-mounted guns by Her Majesty's ships during the Falklands campaign (a) in support of land operations and (b) otherwise.
§ Mr. BlakerAs stated in Cmnd. 8758, Task Force ships fired 8,000 rounds in support of land operations. The number of rounds fired for other purposes could be determined only at disproportionate cost and effort.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for defence whether he has assessed the performance of naval guns during the Falklands campaign, particularly in respect of the number of rounds that may be fired before overhaul is required.
§ Mr. BlakerYes.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what types and marks of turret-mounted guns were used in Her Majesty's ships during the Falklands campaign; and in which ships they were fitted.
§ Mr. Blaker4.5″ Mk. 6 guns were carried by Her Majesty's Ships "Antrim", "Glamorgan", "Plymouth" and "Yarmouth" and the 4.5″ Mk. 8 by HMS "Bristol", type 42 destroyers and type 21 frigates.