§ 10. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty to what extent officers and men of the Royal Navy now co-operate with the American naval authorities at the Polaris base in Holy Loch.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingCo-operation between the two naval authorities continues as required over the whole field of United States naval activities in the area and is first class.
§ Mr. HughesCan the hon. Gentleman say how many men are permanently employed in connection with the American submarines in the Holy Loch?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI am not clear from the hon. Gentleman's question whether he means United States naval men or United States civilians or British civilians or British naval men. It does not arise directly out of the Question. I myself have visited this site, and I have no doubt that the hon. Gentleman is in the area quite often. I would say that cooperation is absolutely first-class and has 1295 been steadily improving over the year during which "Proteus" has been on station.
§ Mr. RankinCould the hon. Gentleman tell us, as to the remuneration and pay of our boys, do they co-operate on a lower rate than that of the Americans?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingOur men are normally paid the rate for the job, which I think is a fair arrangement. It makes no difference whether the personnel are serving on the Forth or the Clyde or in Wales or anywhere else. The hon. Member should consult the Estimates for rates.
§ Mr. RankinOur boys are doing the job at cheaper rates than the Americans.