HL Deb 25 July 1978 vol 395 cc778-9

2.59 p.m.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, I beg leave 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 what arrangements have been made with the eight unions at H.M. Dockyard Rosyth in order that two of the Polaris submarines may be moved and that H.M.S. "Renown" may be refitted.

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, with the leave of the House, I will answer this Question in the form of a Statement to be made at a convenient moment after 3.30 this afternoon.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for saying that he is to make a Statement. However, in view of the fact that my Question has been on the Order Paper since 12th July, why have we waited so long for the Statement?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, this is a moving situation—or perhaps I should say a situation in movement. That is why there has been a certain postponement.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply—and it has not moved very far, I suggest—may I ask him whether, after the Statement, we shall be able to ask as many questions as we would have been allowed to ask on a Starred Question?

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Peart)

My Lords, I think the noble Baroness understands that of course she will be at liberty to ask specific questions on the Statement.