§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assurances were provided by his Department to Devonport Management Ltd. in relation to the refitting of Trident submarines; and if he will make a statement; [26130]
(2) what is his Department's policy concerning the location of the refitting of Trident submarines; and what change there has been in his Department's policy in the last two years; [26132]
(3) what recent discussions he has had with Babcock International concerning the refitting of Trident submarines. [26131]
§ Mr. FreemanIt was announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 24 June 1993,Official Report, column 447, that, subject to satisfactory contractual negotiations, refitting of Trident submarines will be undertaken at Devonport. Contractual negotiations are continuing, the details of which are commercially confidential, and no assurances have been provided to Devonport Management Ltd. There has been no change to that policy and Babcock International has no involvement of which I am aware with the provision of nuclear facilities at Devonport.