HC Deb 02 December 1959 vol 614 cc1157-8
9. Mr. Wall

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will give an estimate of the cost of a British nuclear submarine fully equipped with nuclear-headed ballistic missiles.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

I regret that it is not possible to give this estimate.

Mr. Wall

Since the American Navy has launched vessels of this type, has my right hon. Friend any information as to the cost of those vessels?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

The House of Representatives Armed Services Committee said, in a Committee Report in April, that the estimated cost for a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine was 106 million dollars, which is about £38 million.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

If that figure can be given for the United States Navy, and is not contradicted—and that must be a judgment on the highest strategic ground—why cannot the Admiralty give the same sort of figure?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

As I said earlier in this House, we have no designs for a submarine of this sort. It would be a little unrealistic, and also unwise, to give an estimate when no such plans have been prepared.

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