§ 5. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will give the total cost and details of the expenditure incurred in connection with the Polaris submarine base at Holy Loch from its establishment up to the end of November, 1961.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe expenditure incurred on facilities and services is estimated at £356,000. This sum includes £205,000 capital costs, the principal items being moorings and improvements to piers and the buildings. The remaining £151,000 is for running costs—the largest items being tugs, water boats and additional personnel. The United Kingdom will be repaid most of these costs.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware of the statement last week that the Polaris submarines are now going to cover a greater number of targets in Eastern Europe for the purpose of destroying them? Is he aware that this means a greater possibility of retaliation, against which we have no defence? Does not he think that it is time we revised this agreement with the United States of America?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI think that the more effective the Western deterrent is, the less likely we are to have a nuclear war.