HC Deb 15 January 2003 vol 397 cc635-6W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which SSNs are in refit; and when they will rejoin the fleet. [90332]

Mr. Ingram

There are three SSNs currently in refit. HMS Sceptre and Spartan are planned to rejoin the fleet by summer 2003 and HMS Trenchant towards the end of 2003.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which SSNs will be going into refit in each of the next three years; and for how long they will be nonoperational. [90333]

Mr. Ingram

The next planned SSN refit is that of HMS Talent which is expected to start in spring 2003 and take approximately 2½ to 3 years to complete, including post refit trials and training. I am withholding details of SSN refits planned to start beyond 2003 in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to defence, security and international relations.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Tomahawk-capable SSNs are operational; and of these how many are at sea. [90334]

Mr. Ingram

Currently the Royal Navy has three Tomahawk-capable submarines operationally available, however, the specific operational status and tasking of each submarine is classified for security reasons and is being withheld under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.