HC Deb 31 May 1961 vol 641 cc248-9
30. Mr. Whitlock

asked the Secretary of State for Air when he expects the ballistic-missile early warning station at Fylindales to be operational.

Mr. W. J. Taylor

It would not be in the public interest to give this information.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether work is falling behind schedule, as has been reported?

Mr. Taylor

I have seen the reports to which the hon. Member refers and they are grossly exaggerated. There has been a minor setback in the erection of certain steel works, due to labour difficulties and gale force winds. Unforeseen circumstances of this kind were allowed for in planning the work and the project is still expected to be completed on time.

Mr. Whitlock

In view of the recent statement by an official of the Pentagon that nuclear war could come about by accident, because of the many mechanical and human weaknesses in the military system and the emotional stress which is being placed on the men who have the responsibility for pressing the buttons which launch nuclear missiles, will the hon. Gentleman look once again at the Fylindales project and the doubts expressed by scientists and others approximately a year ago when this project was first envisaged?

Mr. Taylor

I was asked when I expected the ballistic missiles early warning station at Fylingdales to be completed, and the hon. Member's supplementary question had nothing whatever to do with that.

Mr. Slater

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House the reason for the labour difficulties which he mentioned?

Mr. Taylor

I am advised that they are the normal difficulties which arise when a new site is opened up when weather conditions are severe. Until the men get on to the site and get settled down they do not quite know what they are called upon to do or what is involved. I suppose that it is a case of that kind.