§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the differences between(a) military and (b) civilian specifications of ship hulls. [48985]
§ Mr. SpellarWarships are required to operate in very different ways and conditions compared with commercial vessels and also need to be able to withstand damage sustained in action. Naval engineering standards adopted for the construction of warships reflect this and incorporate some indispensable military features such as shock precautions, magazine safety, fire safety and watertight subdivision. Commercial standards are however applicable to some areas of warship design and construction, where their use offers cost savings and is compatible with the vessel's operational role.