Nuclear Submarines (Hansard, 5 February 1990)

§ Mr. John Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he is planning to recall any of the Polaris submarines for safety checks of their nuclear reactors.

§ Mr. Archie Hamilton
No submarines are being recalled from operational tasks. Following the recent discovery of a technical defect in one of our nuclear-powered submarines, all such vessels are, however, being inspected as a precautionary measure when they come alongside.

§ Mr. John Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he is planning to retire Britain's two Valiant class submarines.
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§ Mr. Archie Hamilton
These vessels will be retired at the end of their useful operational life.

§ Mr. John Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the integrity of Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines' reactor-cooling circuits.

§ Mr. Archie Hamilton
It is not our practice to comment on specific features of the Royal Navy's nuclear-powered submarines. These vessels are, however, designed and operated in accordance with rigorous safety standards.

§ Mr. John Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment has been made of the risk to Royal Navy submarine personnel from radiation leaks.

§ Mr. Archie Hamilton
The Government attach very high priority to the safety of the crews of Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines, which operate in accordance with rigorous safety standards. All Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines and personnel, where appropriate, are subject to stringent monitoring procedures.