§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the original date was for the re-commissioning of HMS Vanguard; what the current forecast is; what procedures have still to be completed; what the reasons are for the delay; what the(a) original cost estimate was and (b) what the current cost estimate is; and if he will make a statement. [189384]
§ Mr. IngramHMS Vanguard was originally due to return to the fleet in the third quarter of 2004. Her return to fleet is currently forecast for the second quarter of 2005. The main procedures still to be completed are working up of the nuclear reactor, preparations for and undertaking sea trials.
The underpinning reasons for the delay stem from the fact that this is the first time a Vanguard Class submarine has undergone a Long Overhaul Period or been refuelled. It is also the first fit of a new design reactor core and the first use of DML's new nuclear 1874W refitting and refuelling facility for Vanguard Class submarines. As is usual with major refits and Long Overhaul periods, there has also been an element of work that cannot be pre-planned in the regeneration of the equipment that has been dormant during the Long Overhaul Period (Refuelling).
The direct cost of the Long Overhaul Period (Refuelling) remains within the originally approved total of approximately £210 million (at outturn prices). However, the Department is currently negotiating with Devonport Management Ltd. on consequential costs as a result of the delay to HMS Vanguard leaving the dockyard. It is too early to say what the outcome of these negotiations will be.