§ 7. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to a programme of fast patrol boats armed with surface-to-surface missiles; and what decision he has reached.
§ Mr. HayThe need for craft of this type is under constant review by the Navy Department, but at present we have no plans to build any.
§ Mr. DigbyIs my hon. Friend aware that others seem to be relying increasingly on these craft, which have considerable range and fire power? Will he continue to keep this under constant review as it may well be a cheap answer to some of our problems?
§ Mr. HayYes, Sir. As my Answer said, we are keeping this under constant review, but at the moment we have no immediate plans for these craft.
§ Mr. WillisAre we to assume from the hon. Gentleman's Answer that this is one of the sacrifices which we have to make in order that the Government may proceed with the Polaris programme?