Polaris (Hansard, 29 October 1970)

§ 13. Mr. Wall
asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the modernisation of the Polaris force.

§ Lord Balniel
I have little to add to the Reply I gave my hon. Friend on 22nd July. We are doing what is considered necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the United Kingdom Polaris Force, and keep this matter under continuous review.—[Vol. 804, c. 131.]

§ Mr. Wall
As it has been said that our deterrent is credible only with a fifth vessel, is consideration being given to building that vessel or is the Minister considering re-equipping the existing four Polaris submarines with Poseidon?

§ Lord Balniel
The option to build a fifth Polaris submarine remains open to us and will be under review during the continuing review of measures required to maintain the effectiveness of our contribution to the Western strategic nuclear deterrent, which is at present completely credible.

§ Mr. John Morris
But could the hon. Gentleman tell the House that the Government have no intention of building a fifth Polaris submarine?

§ Lord Balniel
Of course not.