§ 81. Mr. Manuelasked the Minister of Defence to what extent, during the course of his discussions with the representatives of the United States Govern. ment, he discussed the question of how British citizens living in the neighbourhood of the Polaris base in Holy Loch would be compensated in the event of radioactive contamination.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am not prepared to disclose details of confidential discussions, but I can say that in the extremely unlikely event of a nuclear accident, claims would be dealt with, and compensation paid, in accordance with arrangements made under the Visiting Forces Act, 1952.
In determining liability, it is Her Majesty's Government's intention that principles similar to those embodied in the Nuclear Installations (Licensing and Insurance) Act, 1959, should be followed.