The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.
Dr. Julian Lewis
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Swiftsure class submarines are non-operational; and for what reasons. [98248]
Mr. Ingram
Three Swiftsure Class submarines are currently non-operational. HMS Sceptre and HMS Spartan are both in the final stages of refit. They are shortly planned to undergo sea trials before formally joining the fleet later this summer. HMS Superb is currently undergoing a period of inspection before starting a planned maintenance period. She is expected to rejoin the fleet in the first half of 2004.