§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 19 June the shiplift at Faslane has been used by(a) submarines and (b) surface ships; and if he will make a statement. [103411]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 21 December 1999]: Since 19 June 1999, the Shiplift at HM Naval Base Clyde has been used for the operational dockings of one surface ship (Minor War Vessel) from 22 June to 2 July, and one submarine (SSBN) from 7 July to 8 August. The facility has been non-operational since 1 September while essential Y2K compliance work was undertaken on the lift control and protection system. The replacement system completed the commissioning phase on 17 December.