Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the use of satellites for extremely high frequency communications with Trident nuclear submarines; which satellites his Department plans to use for extremely high frequency communications with Trident nuclear submarines; and if he will make a statement on his Department's assessment of the importance of extremely high frequency communications with Trident nuclear submarines. [214373]
Mr. Hoon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 28 June 2004, Official Report, column 150W, by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Trident submarines are on active service; how many are being repaired; and if he will make a statement. [214375]
Mr. Hoon: Of the four Vanguard Class submarines in service, two are rotating through the operational cycle, one is undergoing a period of pre-planned long maintenance, and one is regenerating after completing a pre-planned long maintenance period and refuelling.