HC Deb 17 April 1985 vol 77 c205W
Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent so far on the current upgrading of Britain's very low frequency communications system; and what is the estimated total cost of this project.

Mr. Lee

A programme to improve the United Kingdom's very low frequency communications system is in progress. A total of £1.7 million has been spent on it to date, out of an estimated total procurement cost of some £22 million.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether there are any plans to install receivers for extremely low frequency communications on the new Upholder class submarines;

(2) whether there are any plans to install receivers for extremely low frequency communications on Trafalgar class submarines;

(3) whether there are any plans to install receivers for extremely low frequency communications on the Royal Navy's Trident submarines.

Mr. Lee

Extra low frequency communications have potential application to Royal Navy submarines generally. No decisions have been taken on which classes of submarine might be equipped with ELF receivers.