HC Deb 08 May 1985 vol 78 c386W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence by whom the propellor shafts of HMS Otter are being repaired; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

Replacement propellor shafts are being supplied by Devonport dockyard, where refurbishment of such items takes place. Their cost, together with the cost of other material supplied to the firm undertaking the refit, will be reflected in the final assessment of the overall cost of the project.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence by whom the hatch covers of HMS Otter are being repaired; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butler

Such work as is necessary is being undertaken by the firm carrying out the refit. If it emerges that new hatch covers are needed, they will be issued from Ministry of Defence stock.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what technical and manpower assistance is being provided to Humber Ship Repairers in its work on refitting HMS Otter.

Mr. Lee

There is an eight-man Ministry of Defence team at Humber Ship Repairers to provide technical guidance and oversee the refit. Additional technical advice is provided by the Ministry of Defence as necessary. The cost of providing all such assistance will be reflected in the final assessment of the cost of the project.