§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expected commissioning date is of HMS Vanguard; where the nuclear reactor power range tests will be carried out prior to commissioning; and if he will make a statement. [137550]
§ Mr. IngramHMS Vanguard is currently undergoing a Long Overhaul Period (Refit) (LOP(R)) and has not been decommissioned. As with any United Kingdom nuclear-powered submarine that has been defuelled and refuelled, Vanguard's nuclear reactor will undergo power range testing in the final stages of the LOP(R). This testing forms part of the LOP(R) work package and all LOP(R)s take place at Devonport Dockyard. Vanguard is due to return to service during the fourth quarter in 2004.