HC Deb 29 April 1988 vol 132 cc309-10W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he is taking with VSEL in respect of the incorrectly welded unit in a Trafalgar class submarine in August 1987.

Mr. Sainsbury

SSN hull units contain a slightly thicker section at the keel to provide an internal corrosion element. The incorrectly welded unit has been measured and found to contain a sufficient element for corrosion and it is therefore intended to leave the unit where it is presently positioned. The performance and life of the submarine will not be affected.

For the future, we shall be requiring VSEL to ensure that its quality control arrangements prevent such incidents happening again.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he is taking on the VSEL report on Trident parts, lost off the Mull of Galloway and Walney Island on 5 to 6 February.

Mr. Sainsbury

Following the receipt of the report by VSEL in which the company identifies plans to put in hand a number of improvements to procedures, the Department is making arrangements to audit the implementation of these improvements.