§ 12. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Minister of State for Defence what plans he has to pay an official visit to the Polaris base in Scotland.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourI visited the Clyde submarine base in September 1971. I have at present no plans to make a further visit.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that these bases provide little security but are always capable of provoking a nuclear attack on this country? Does he not agree, further, that the cost of improving or replacing our Polaris submarines is prohibitive? Would not the money be better spent on providing employment for our people and decent homes for them to live in?
§ Mr. GilmourI do not believe that the presence of the bases in Scotland constitutes any danger to Scotland. I believe that our nuclear deterrent is a deterrent designed to prevent war. I also believe that the presence of these bases in Scotland is extremely popular.