HC Deb 20 March 1968 vol 761 cc402-4
25. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed future programme for fleet hunter-killer nuclear-powered submarines.

33. Mr. Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is still his policy that the main striking power of the Royal Navy should be provided by nuclear-powered submarines; and whether he will now reconsider his decision to reduce the proposed rate of construction of these submarines.

Mr. Healey

Nuclear fleet submarines will provide the main striking power of the Royal Navy against surface ships and submarines. As to their rate of construction, I have nothing to add to what the Prime Minister announced on 16th January.—[Vol. 756, c. 1583.]

Mr. Wall

The Prime Minister indicated that the rate of construction would be cut down. As the Answer earlier by his right hon. Friend indicates that this will be the only answer to the Soviet missile-firing destroyers, would it not be more advisable to speed up construction

Mr. Healey

With respect, nobody suggested that this would be the only answer to the Soviet missile-firing destroyers. I heard my right hon. Friend deal in great detail with airborne answers to the Soviet missile-firing destroyers.

The fact is that we now have four nuclear fleet submarines either on order or building, making a total of seven, including the first of a new class. In the light of the very substantial reduction in our defence commitments, we believe that it will be possible and necessary to reduce the rate of building after that.

Mr. Powell

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know the size of the nuclear-powered submarine fleet at which he is aiming and the date at which he wishes it to be of a given size, how could he agree with his right hon. Friend stating that the rate of construction was to be cut down? Is not this a Defence Review in reverse?

Mr. Healey

I think that before the right hon. Gentleman gets too excited he must, on reflection, recognise that I am satisfied about the reduction in the rate of building. I know what the rate is, but, like all previous Defence Ministers, I am not prepared to announce future building intentions either regarding these ships or any others. No Government have ever done this. I am satisfied that some reduction will be possible. Precisely what reduction, I shall be announcing later in the year.

Mr. James Davidson

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea how many nuclear-powered submarines the Soviet Navy possesses?

Mr. Healey

Yes, Sir, but I would need notice of the question if the hon. Gentleman wanted me to go further and give an estimate.

Mr. Powell

How is the right hon. Gentleman going to state the reduction later in the year if he is neither going to state the previous nor the subsequent rate?

Mr. Healey

This mystery will be clear to the right hon. Gentleman when I make my announcement.