HC Deb 19 April 1961 vol 638 cc107-8W
66. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty (1) if he will state the names and other details of the Royal Navy's latest and biggest submarines which, with newly developed navigational equipment on board, have started experimental missions beneath the Arctic ice-cap; how far these missions have now extended; and with what results;

(2) if he will state the details of the supervision by Royal Air Force aircraft of the Royal Navy's submarines which recently carried out experimental missions beneath the Arctic ice-cap, indicating the extent to which those aircraft succeeded in contacting these submarines while submerged under the ice, and the extent to which they discovered permanent or transient air-holes in the polar ice which such submarines could use to take in fresh air and for other purposes.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

It would not be in the national interest to add to the answer I gave the hon. and learned Gentleman on 12th April.