§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what problems with welds related to the nuclear reactor were reported in the two weeks before the submarine Vanguard left VSEL Barrow on 23 October for contractor's sea trials; what action was taken by the contractor and his Department; and on what date the members of the Nuclear Powered Warship Safety Committee were informed of the situation.
§ Mr. AitkenIt is not our practice to comment on the detailed material condition of individual nuclear submarines. I can confirm, however, that as part of normal safety procedures, Vanguard underwent a rigorous safety assessment and a thorough quality assurance audit prior to being cleared for departure on sea trials. The Government place the highest priority on nuclear safety and no submarine would be permitted to go to sea unless we were satisfied that it was safe to do so.