HC Deb 05 April 1965 vol 710 cc30-2
42. Mr. Monslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in which shipyard the hunter-killer submarine is to be built.

Mr. Mayhew

This is still under consideration.

Mr. Monslow

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in the light of the cancellation of Polaris, both management and employees are looking forward to some alternative employment, even in the civil sense?

Mr. Mayhew

We are aware that the cancellation of the fifth Polaris submarine has made possible the bringing forward of this hunter-killer submarine, but I am not in a position to say whether the order will go either to Barrow or to Birkenhead.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Has the right hon. Gentleman ruled out altogether Scotts of Greenock who have much experience of submarine building?

Mr. Mayhew

This is a nuclear submarine and very expensive special nuclear facilities are required.

Sir J. Eden

On a point of order. Since there have been widespread stories that the Government have decided to cancel the TSR2, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for Defence will take the opportunity of his presence at Question Time to make a statement?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member claimed to occupy the time of the House by raising that matter as a point of order. I do not see one