§ 88. Mr. Mulleyasked the Minister of Defence whether the Polaris missiles to be operated from the base in Scotland will be used as part of the strategic deterrent under the independent control of the United States Government or in a tactical rôle within the control of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Polaris missiles to be carried by the United States Navy submarines for which facilities are to be provided in Holy Loch. Although they are under the control of the United States Government, they will add greatly to the strength of the strategic deterrent force of the West.