Question : DEVELOPMENT OF SEA WARFARE

(a) whether in view of vital role of mines in sea warfare and defence activities, the Government had sanctioned four projects for development of sea mines for Navy from 1984 to 1992;

(b) whether in spite of the fact that 17 years have elapsed and about Rs. 4.14 crore have been spent for this purpose, no progress could be made in this regard;

(c) if so, the reasons for slow progress;

(d) whether the slow progress has not only resulted in reduction of reserved depots of Navy but also affected adversely the war preparedness; and

(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) Yes, Sir. Government had sanctioned four projects of development of sea mines during 1984 - 1992.

(b) & (c): No, Sir. Out of the four projects sanctioned, the three projects led to production after successful development. The fourth project did not achieve all the objectives and it was partially successful. The total cost of all these projects was Rs. 2.145 crore only.

(d) & (e): Does not arise.