§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Defence whether a decision has yet been taken to build Polaris submarines.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftYes.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Defence how long he estimates it will take for Great Britain to build one Polaris submarine, and a fleet of 10, respectively; whether it is possible to convert and redesignate the nuclear submarines, "Dreadnought" and "Valiant", as Polaris missile vessels and to convert the third nuclear submarine, now on order, to become a Polaris-carrying vessel; and when this is likely to be ready for service.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe answer depends on a number of factors and assumptions which are currently under consideration. I am not yet in a position to give the estimates requested.
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§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Defence what studies have been carried out on the problems of the building techniques involved in converting hunter-killer submarines to Polaris submarines.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe Admiralty are conducting studies of the many problems involved in carrying through a programme of building Polaris submarines: these include the possibility of converting present hunter-killer submarine designs to the Polaris rôle.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Defence what survey has been made by his Department of the shipyards and facilities available for the building of Polaris-type submarines; and how many shipyards and companies have sufficient technical knowledge and staff to build these vessels.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe Admiralty already have a substantial appreciation of the potential for building submarines including Polaris type submarines in British shipyards and are carrying out a detailed investigation into the many problems which would be involved.
With regard to the second part of the question, it is to be expected that any shipyard engaged in the building and fitting out of Polaris type submarines would need to acquire new technical knowledge and to strengthen its staff. Nevertheless, we are fully confident of our ability to build these submarines in the United Kingdom and in good time.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Defence if it is his intention, in the development of a multilateral Polaris deterrent force, to standardise British Polaris submarines on American lines; to what extent his department will be dependent upon the United States of America for designs of Polaris submarines before building can commence; and what consideration has been given to building a British fleet of Polaris-type submarines distinctly different in size and carrying capacity to the American type.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThese are matters which are under consideration following the Nassau agreement. American help and advice have already brought the Admiralty to a point at which they are no longer dependent on the U.S. Navy for the design of nuclear submarines.62W There are obvious advantages in keeping to proven design in order to minimise the difficulties of development and to secure early delivery.