§ 73. Mr. Buchanasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) what liaison exists between his Department and the United States authorities to ensure immediate warning in the event of any emergency occurring at the Polaris base on the Clyde; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when his Department were notified of the outbreak of fire on board the Polaris depôt ship on the evening of Saturday, 28th November.
§ Mr. KirkAt 11.35 p.m. on Saturday, 28th November, fire broke out on the U.S.S. "Canopus" at anchor in the Holy Loch. The fire was confined to the baggage room and was completely extinguished by 3.30 a.m. on Sunday. There was at no time a risk of a nuclear explosion. I regret that three United States sailors lost their lives as a result of the fire.
It is standard procedure in the event of an emergency on board U.S.S. "Canopus", whether a fire or a nuclear hazard, for the Clyde Submarine Base to be informed. Contingency plans, which provide for the alerting of local civil authorities as necessary, are then put into effect. In this case, the Clyde Submarine Base was informed at 1.50 a.m. on Sunday morning that a fire had occurred and that there was no danger. Clyde Base firefighting facilities were at once offered but were not required.
§ 75. Mr. McElhoneasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will give consideration to the resiting of the Polaris submarine base on the Holy Loch, taking account of the advances in technology over the past eight years.
451W
§ Mr. McElhoneasked the Minister of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the present safety and security arrangements at the Polaris Submarine Base on the Holy Loch; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KirkYes. As far as a statement is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given today to the hon. Member for Renfrew, West (Mr. Buchan).