HC Deb 17 February 1960 vol 617 cc1283-4
40. Mr. Wall

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now make a statement about the laying down of a sister-ship of H.M.S. "Dreadnought".

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my noble Friend's Explanatory Statement published today, which mentions that we plan to order a second nuclear propelled submarine.

Mr. Wall

Is my hon. Friend aware that I am delighted that the Admiralty has decided to order a nuclear-propelled submarine, but that what is really needed is a nuclear-propelled submarine capable of discharging nuclear missiles? Will he give urgent consideration to the design of such a vessel?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I take this opportunity of making it clear that "Dreadnought" and her successor sister ship are not designed for nor capable of taking Polaris type missiles. The second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is, therefore, another matter.

Mr. Short

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the development of marine nuclear propulsion may well be the major hope of British shipbuilding to regain its lead in the world? Will he push ahead as fast as possible and bear in mind the developments in German yards and that, if we do not do something quickly, we shall be left behind and without a contract? Will he bear in mind the nuclear developments on Tyneside and the remarks at Question Time today on the needs of Tyneside?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

The hon. Gentleman will know that that responsibility has been transferred from the Admiralty to the Ministry of Transport, to whose attention I will draw the points made.