§ 26. Mr. Wallasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement about the aircraft carrier replacement programme.
§ Mr. HayI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Miss Vickers) on 19th March. I have nothing further to add at present.
§ Mr. WallIs my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable anxiety about the continued delay in reaching a decision on this important matter? Can he assure the House that, if for political reasons the Government decide to go ahead with the construction of a mixed-manned Polaris surface force, even then the aircraft carrier replacement programme will have a clear priority?
§ Mr. HayI am aware that there is some feeling on this matter which is certainly not only in the House. We will certainly come to a conclusion about it as soon as we properly can, taking account of the point my hon. Friend makes.