§ Mr. BoyesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration is being given to opening up afloat postings in the submarine service to women.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonWhen sea service for women was announced on 5 February 1990 it was made clear that current plans did not include extending mixed manning to the submarine flotilla. The reason for this was not one of principle but simply that conditions in existing RN submarines are such that major problems would be encountered in ensuring a proper degree of privacy for both men and women. Now that sea service for women in surface ships is well established, the feasibility of their serving in submarines in the future is being addressed.