HC Deb 20 November 2000 vol 357 c9W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans exist in respect of submariners in Trident submarines being trapped on the sea bed; if the Royal Navy has the capability to deal with such emergencies without the use of outside agencies; and if he will make a statement. [138803]

Mr. Spellar

The UK submarine Rescue Service has the capability to deal with rescue from any submarine without the use of outside agencies. However, every rescue attempt from a submarine trapped on the sea bed, regardless of nationality, has to be evaluated to determine the optimum solution taking into consideration speed/time and distance. This may mean that it is quicker to rescue distressed submariners using the assistance of other nations' submarine rescue assets.