§ 80. Mr. Rankinasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what steps he is taking to protect inhabitants in the area of the Gareloch nuclear submarine base from the dangers associated with radioactivity or other risks arising from the presence of Polaris submarines.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe design of and operating procedures for nuclear submarines are aimed at securing maximum safety. The submarines' nuclear propulsion plant cannot explode: nor is there any risk of an accidental full yield nuclear explosion from the Polaris missiles.
Nevertheless, plans which are similar to those for nuclear power stations have been made to guard against the remote possibility of any accident which might affect the public. Standing arrangements 121W have already been worked out by the local naval and civil authorities to ensure, if necessary, immediate and coordinated protective action. These plans, made for the Holy Loch, will cover the submarine base at Faslane.
Polaris nuclear submarines have been operating in the Clyde area for the past two years without endangering the local inhabitants.