§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the repairs required on HMS Otter; where these repairs are to be done; and what is the estimated cost of these repairs.
§ Mr. LeeHMS Otter is currently undergoing refit at Humber Shiprepairers. A replacement engine frame supplied to the refitting yard under arrangements with my Department and fitted into the submarine has proved defective; no responsibility for this defect rests with Humber Shiprepairers. It will be necessary to remove this 61W frame and fit a further replacement. This work is being undertaken in the refitting yard. The cost of this work, for which a firm price has been agreed, is commercially confidential.