§ Mr. Brooksasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in the light of Russian anti-ballistic missile preparations, he intends to improve the credibility of the British strategic nuclear deterrent by increasing the size of the Polaris fleet and equipping it with multi-warhead missiles.
§ Mr. HealeyWe have no intention of increasing the Polaris force beyond its present planned strength of four submarines. I have nothing to add to my reply on 5th July to the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn (Mr. G. Campbell) and the hon. Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Iremonger) about the missiles for the force.—[Vol. 749, c. 1794–96.]
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Polaris submarines will be able to operate in the Indian Ocean.
§ Mr. HealeyI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Answers to similar Questions yesterday.