HC Deb 23 February 1967 vol 741 c1950
40. 40. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made for a Minister to attend the ceremony at Cammell Lairds, Birkenhead, to mark the launching in the near future of the Royal Navy's next Polaris submarine.

Mr. Mason

My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Navy will attend this launch.

Mr. Marten

In view of the Prime Minister's commitment to this Polaris, would it not be more suitable if he himself went?

Mr. Mason

Two Ministers—one representing the Royal Navy and the other representing the Government—should be sufficient.

Mr. Heffer

Does not my hon. Friend agree that the entire Polaris submarine programme is a great waste of money? Does not he agree that the City of Liverpool and other areas on Merseyside could do with that money being spent in getting over the housing problem?

Mr. Mason

No, Sir. Meanwhile, this programme is providing local employment in the region.

Mr. Powell

Will the ceremony be followed by a funeral service for the Government's proposal for an Atlantic nuclear force?

Mr. Mason

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will accept the Asquithian "wait and see".