Spearfish Torpedo

HC Deb 16 February 1987 vol 110 c489W

Mr. O'Neill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he plans to make changes in the management of the Spearfish project.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No, I do not plan to make any changes to the management of the Spearfish project.

Mr. O'Neill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what problems there have been with the procurement of Spearfish.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There have been some problems in the development of Spearfish, but these have not been any greater than we would have expected in such a complex and difficult period. I cannot go into technical details for reasons of national security and commercial sensitivity.

Mr. O'Neill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many departments at his Department are responsible for managing the Spearfish project.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

One department in my Ministry is responsible for managing the Spearfish project.

Mr. O'Neill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Spearfish torpedo to enter Royal Navy service.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I expect the Spearfish torpedo to enter service by 1989.