§ 42. Mr. Wyattasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the experience gained from the arrangements made for the reception of Polaris submarines, he is 207 now satisfied that there is complete understanding between himself and the President of the United States of America as to the control and use of Polaris submarines operating from Holy Loch.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. WyattIs it not the case that the first suggestion for the establishment of the Polaris submarine base in Britain came not from the United States but from the British authorities? Has that been inhibiting the right hon. Gentleman from securing an arrangement whereby none of these submarines could ever be used, without consultation, in such a way as to bring massive retaliation on us?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The hon. Gentleman is misinformed on the facts. He lives in a dream world.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesHas the Prime Minister's attention been drawn to the Russian statement that in the last war we not only tried to destroy submarines but we also bombed their bases as well, and that this might happen again? Does he realise that he has placed a great industrial part of the country in great danger without giving it any protection at all?
§ The Prime MinisterI had observed the statement to which the hon. Member referred. This country, throughout its history, has tried to do what it thought to be its duty, and it will not be deterred from doing so by blackmail.
§ 47. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister what protests he has received from local authorities and other organisations in Scotland about his agreement to establish a Polaris submarine base on the Holy Loch; and what has been the nature of his replies.
§ 48. Mr. Warbeyasked the Prime Minister what reply he has sent to the communication from the National Union of Mineworkers protesting against the establishment of a base for Polaris submarines.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received a number of representations about the agreement to provide facilities for Polaris-carrying submarines in Holy Loch, but none from the National Executive Committee of the National Union 208 of Mineworkers. I would prefer to follow my normal practice of refusing to go further than this in giving details of the general make-up of my correspondence.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Prime Minister to pay no attention to representations from Glasgow Corporation, Dunbartonshire County Council, Ayreshire County Council, Greenock Town Council, Cowal District Council, representing the overwhelming majority of the people who live in that part of the country? Is he to foist this thing upon them against their will, or is he prepared to tell the President of the United States that opinion in the west of Scotland is overwhelmingly against this base, because the people there think that it is a public danger and does not add to their security?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that it is necessary for me to follow either of those courses. While I recognise the sincerity and the strength of feeling which prompt various representations which I have received, the Government have a duty to make their decisions according to what they think is right and to ask the House of Commons, representing the country as a whole, to support their conclusions.
§ Mr. WarbeyWhile there may be some delay in the mail during the Christmas period, will the Prime Minister recognise that there is now a substantial and growing volume of opinion from representative organisations in opposition to the Polaris base? If he wants 1961 to be a creative year for Europe, is it a very good idea to increase nuclear facilities in this country?
§ The Prime MinisterI joined these two Questions together, but I am bound to say that I think that the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) had a rather stronger foundation for his Question, because he referred to some representations which I have received. I must repeat my reply to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Warbey)—that I have received no representations from the Executive Committee of the National Union of Mineworkers.
§ Sir T. MooreIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is strong resentment against the suggestion, made by the hon. 209 Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes), that Scotland is either fearful or unwilling to play her part in the defence of the free world?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the history of this century shows the truth of what my hon. Friend has said.
§ Mr. ManuelDoes the Prime Minister recognise that the bulk of public opinion in Scotland is against this proposal, despite what his hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) has said? In view of the number of protests which he has received—
§ Sir T. MooreFrom a Socialist-controlled lobby.
§ Mr. Manuel—does he not agree that he is in some difficulty about replying, because he has no safeguarding agreement with the United States about the use of Polaris?
§ The Prime MinisterI could be led into a long discussion, but I think that I have done very well today and I do not want to hold up other Questions.
§ Mr. HealeyOn a point of order. You will recall that last Thursday, Mr. Speaker, I put a question to the Prime Minister as to whether he could give the House some details of where negotiations between the Six and the Seven now stood, and in replying the Prime Minister said that that question did not arise from the original Question but that if I put a Question on the Order Paper he would answer it. My point of order is whether, as guardian of the privileges of the House, you have any power to persuade the Prime Minister to fulfil undertakings which he has made to the House as a whole.
§ Mr. SpeakerPerhaps I have not been following properly, but is the hon. Gentleman telling me that he has put down such a Question to the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. HealeyYes, Sir. I put such a Question down to the Prime Minister for answer today, but I was informed by his private secretary that at the Prime Minister's request it had been transferred to the Lord Privy Seal.
§ Mr. SpeakerOne of the few matters which does not rest upon the burdened shoulders of the Chair is that of transfer.
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Member will put the Question back to me I will do my best to answer it. These things are done rather mechanically. I did not follow every detail, but if the hon. Member makes it a matter of personal honour, of course I will answer the Question if he will be good enough to put it down for next Thursday.
§ Mr. HealeyI am happy with that assurance.
§ Mr. Hector HughesOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Prime Minister's reply on the subject of the Polaris base, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
§ Mr. SpeakerI would like to think about that. I suspect that it may be out of order by reason of another Motion.