HL Deb 31 October 1957 vol 205 cc681-2

2.40 p.m.

VISCOUNT ELIBANK

My Lords, I beg to ask the Second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there has been any change in the plans to install a guided missile range on South Uist since the statement on the subject made by them on June 4, 1957.]

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, the projected guided missile range in the Hebrides, in common with other defence installations and establishments all over the world, has been and is being closely scrutinised to make sure that the detailed plans are consistent with the latest developments in our defence policy and take full account of the urgent need for economy. It is too soon to say in what respects the plans which I described to your Lordships last June may be altered. The letting of the main contract for further constructional work is being held up until the Services' needs have been redefined more precisely. I will, if I may, keep your Lordships informed as the plans develop.

VISCOUNT ELIBANK

My Lords, I beg to thank the noble Lord for his Answer and for his continuing and sympathetic interest in these matters. May I ask him whether he will arrange for the fullest possible notice to be given in the event of any further changes other than of a minor character, in order that the islanders may have ample time to arrange for other employment or generally to arrange their economy?

LORD MANCROFT

Yes, my Lords, I will certainly give the noble Viscount that assurance. The Service Departments are particularly anxious to take the islanders as fully into their confidence as they possibly can.

VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGH

My Lords, in view of the effect upon agriculture of recent events in our nuclear station in the North of England, can we have an assurance that there will be no nuclear question involved in these missiles?

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, I do not want to go into too much detail, but I can assure the noble Viscount, as I did, I think, in the debate in June last on this subject, that it is not the intention that there should be any nuclear activity at all in the Hebrides range.