HC Deb 19 February 1969 vol 778 cc443-4
7. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects the Royal Navy's first nuclear-powered surface warship will be laid down.

Mr. John Morris

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a similar Question from the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 11th December, 1968.—[Vol. 775, c. 150.]

Mr. Farr

Is it not time the Government did something about this? Is he aware that not only the United States but Russia, Germany, Italy and Japan all have nuclear-powered surface vessels either in use or in preparation for use?

Mr. Morris

Within the resources we can devote to the Royal Navy in the next few years, we simply cannot afford a programme of nuclear surface ships using the reactors available at present.