HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc72-3
26. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement on the ways and means of implementing the Nassau Agreement.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Ways and means are being discussed both with the Americans and in the N.A.T.O. Council.

Mr. Mason

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that in the development of the Polaris submarine fleet there will be no increase in defence expenditure and no standstill in supplying their requirements OR in the development of the other Services? Secondly, can he give the House an assurance that in the 1970s, by the time when we should have built our small contribution, the Polaris submarine will still be an effective deterrent?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I have every reason to suppose that the Polaris submarine will be a very significant deterrent for many years to come. But I certainly cannot give an undertaking to build it free. It is bound to cost money. There is nothing I cam do to prevent that.

Mr. Willis

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the proposed size of the Polaris programme, or when can he toll Che House what it will be in terms of numbers?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I may not tell the hon. Gentleman that. I hope, perhaps later, to say what is the initial number to be laid down—not at this stage but later on. I do not? necessarily say it is the total number which may be completed.