HC Deb 03 March 1988 vol 128 cc685-6W
Mr. Gordon Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the refitting of HMS Valiant to be completed.

Mr. Sainsbury

The refitting of HMS Valiant is currently expected to be completed in the latter half of this year.

Mr. Gordon Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the incident involving the repair of pipes leading from the nuclear reactor in HMS Valiant.

Mr. Sainsbury

I am glad to say that there has been no incident affecting nuclear safety on board HMS Valiant during her refit.

Mr. Gordon Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has renegotiated the price for the refitting of HMS Valiant.

Mr. Sainsbury

Because the refit of HMS Valiant commenced before the introduction of commercial management, it was not practicable to negotiate a fixed price contract at the outset. It has since been agreed that labour costs will be covered by incentive arrangements. Other elements, for example, materials and sub-contract costs, will be priced on the basis of actual ascertained costs. Any extra work under the contract will be covered by these arrangements.