HC Deb 17 April 1973 vol 855 cc234-5
2. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of State for Defence what representations he has received about United States and British Polaris submarine bases in Scotland.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

I have received no recent representations on this subject.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Minister aware that at Easter the Scottish TUC, the Labour Party and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament will be publicly seeking the winding-up of these bases? In view of the development of the long-distance Trident, have the American Government been asked whether they still need to retain the bases in Scotland?

Mr. Gilmour

I am aware that there will be some contrived agitation this weekend. I am also aware that it will not represent the view of the public either in Scotland or elsewhere. As I have already told the hon. Gentleman, we have made it clear to the Americans that we will make the bases available to them for as long as they require them.

Mr. Sproat

Will my hon. Friend accept that among the vast majority of people in Scotland there is appreciative understanding of the vital rôle of these bases, and that their presence is welcome not only for strategic purposes but also because of the considerable contribution they make to local employment and the local economy?

Mr. Gilmour

I entirely agree with what my hon. Friend has said. He is quite right. There are 3,500 Royal Navy officers and men stationed at Faslane who greatly add to the purchasing power of the district, and there are 2,700 civilians employed at Faslane and Coulport which greatly helps the employment situation.