§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when HMS Trafalgar is to return to operational service; [91218]
(2) if he will make a statement about the damage caused to HMS Trafalgar. [91227]
§ Mr. IngramThe damage to HMS Trafalgar, following her grounding on 6 November 2002, is centred around her forward sonar.
Surveys to fully scope the damage and assess the necessary repairs are currently being undertaken in Devonport dockyard. These include survey of the forward sonar (the damaged area), a full structural assessment of the forward main ballast tanks, foreplane operating gear, anchor operating gear and associated faired coverings. The surveys are expected to complete by the end of January 2003.
The opportunity is being taken to combine the repairs with a planned routine maintenance period for the submarine. The overall work programme, which will be informed by the surveys, is expected to take until early 66W 2004 to complete. The submarine will then undergo the normal trials and training requirements before returning to the fleet.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the outcome will be known of the boards of inquiry into the accidents involving(a) HMS Trafalgar and (b) HMS Nottingham. [91219]
§ Mr. IngramBoards of Inquiry (BOI) into the accidents involving HMS Trafalgar and HMS Nottingham are complete.
There are no plans to publish the BOI reports into incidents of this nature.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 January, Official Report, column 403W to the hon. Member for Batley and Spen (Mr. Wood).
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect on the overall capability of the submarine fleet has been caused by the withdrawal of HMS Trafalgar for repairs. [91228]
§ Mr. IngramHMS Trafalgar was due to enter a period of extended maintenance in April 2003. Her withdrawal from service in November 2002 has therefore not had a significant effect on the overall capability of the submarine fleet.