§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will confirm that strike action by certain dockyard workers will not in any way be allowed to affect planned operational deployments of strategic nuclear submarines; if he is satisfied with arrangements to ensure that in times of crisis politically-motivated troublemakers could not impede the sailing and deployment of Her Majesty's ships to their stations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyI naturally hope that a settlement can be reached so that the planned operational deployment of strategic nuclear submarines is not affected, but I shall consider the matter if that hope is not fulfilled. I am satisfied with arrangements in a time of crisis.
§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will publish the number of days extra to their programme for duty at sea that the crew of HMS "Resolution" will fulfil as a result of the refusal of dockyard workers at Rosyth to allow HMS "Repulse" to leave the nuclear dock;
(2) to what extent the deployment of Great Britain's nuclear deterrent is currently impaired by the present strike of workers at Rosyth and Faslane dockyards preventing the movement of three of the four Polaris submarines;
(3) if he will publish the number of days the Polaris submarine HMS "Repulse" has been prevented from leaving dock due to action by members of the Transport and General Workers Union.
§ Mr. MulleyIt is not my policy to discuss details of our nuclear deterrent deployments or matters directly associated with them, but I can confirm that our contribution to the alliance deterrent is not impaired.