§ 40. Mr. Wallasked 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-EwingI 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. WallIs 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-EwingI 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. ShortWill 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-EwingThe hon. Gentleman will know that that responsibility has 1284 been transferred from the Admiralty to the Ministry of Transport, to whose attention I will draw the points made.