HC Deb 05 March 1992 vol 205 c292W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the feasibility studies into SSN20 class nuclear-powered submarines were completed.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

The studies into the then proposed SSN20 class were completed in 1989.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the first of class of a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines is currently expected to enter service by the end of the century; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

The studies, which I announced in the debate on the Royal Navy on 27 June 1991,Official Report, column] 1181, into a second batch of Trafalgar class nuclear-powered submarines to replace the Swiftsure class are now under way. Subject to the outcome of these studies, the submarines could begin entering service around the turn of the century.