§ 28. Commander Courtneyasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to build any more conventionally-powered submarines before laying down a third nuclear submarine.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingWe announced recently at Chatham when the "Ocelot" was launched that a twelfth Oberon conventional submarine would be built there. There have been no other decisions on the submarine building programme.
§ Commander CourtneyWhile we all appreciate that the continuing usefulness 1330 of conventionally powered submarines will last for many years ahead, may I ask whether my hon. Friend will agree that it is also a fact that, with the present rate of so-called progress, by the 1970s the Soviet Union will have a sizeable force of nuclear submarines to which we shall have virtually no answer whatever?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that we must get on with this programme. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence and the Treasury and the Board of Admiralty are all closely concerned with this. I equally agree that the conventionals must form a very valuable part of the Fleet at least until the early 1980s.
§ Dame Irene WardCan my hon. Friend say when these conversations among three Government Departments will result in some action?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI am afraid that I am unable to tell my hon. Friend at this moment.