§ 5. Mr. Edenasked the Secretary of State for Air what progress is being made with the Ballistic Missile Early Warning Station at Fylingdales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AmeryWork is now going well. The main technical buildings are up; and the contractors working on behalf of the United States Air Force have begun to put in their special equipment.
There is no change in the plan that the station should become operational next year.
§ Mr. EdenIs it not the tragedy that that much of the progress so far in the construction of this vital link in the defensive system of the West has been bedevilled by strikes and restrictive practices? Can my right hon. Friend say whether labour relations on the site have been improved, and may we look forward confidently to the completion of the station?
§ Mr. AmeryWe have been very concerned about the situation, but, as I say, we confidently expect that the station will be operational next year as forecast.
§ Mr. CroninAs these ballistic missile early warning stations give no warning of missiles fired from submarines, is their future to be considered in a different light?
§ Mr. AmeryI reject the assumption on which that supplementary question is based. They undoubtedly give very good warning.
§ Mr. CroninOf missiles fired from submarines?
§ Mr. AmeryFrom submarines—I am sorry. One cannot cover everything with every piece of equipment. They are very valuable against the particular equipment against which they are designed.