§ Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has yet received the report of the experts to whom he referred the question of the defects in the steel specified for Polaris submarines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuInvestigation into the problems arising from the welding of steel in nuclear submarine hulls is a continuing process, and lessons learned are being applied to all boats under con328W struction as well as those already in service. I have nothing further to add to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Orpington (Mr. Lubbock) on 18th October.—[Vol 734, c. 12.]
§ Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what study he has made of the developments in the construction of Polaris submarines and missiles in the United States of America since the orders for Polaris submarines for the Royal Navy were made; and in what respects they differ from the latest United States types now being built for the United States Navy.
§ Mr. HealeyThe British Polaris submarines have been designed to incorporate the latest Polaris Missile and developments are kept under continuous review in close association with the United States Navy.