§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost to his Department for the upkeep of Z-berths for emergency use by nuclear powered submarines at United Kingdom ports.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonZ-berths may be established within particular ports, at mooring buoys or anchorages which have been assessed as suitable for short operations or recreational visits by nuclear powered submarines. The berths in question are not exclusively for the use of nuclear powered submarines. The cost of their maintenance as z-berths relates mainly to periodic surveys and liaison with the relevant local authorities to ensure the continuing suitability of the berths; cost figures are not held centrally.