HC Deb 01 March 1967 vol 742 cc94-5W
Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the progress of the building of the Royal Navy's Polaris submarine fleet.

Mr. Mason

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer I gave today to the Question put down by the hon. and gallant Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall), the hon. and learned Member for Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham), my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Exchange (Mr. Will Griffiths) and the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker).

Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Polaris installations at Faslane and Coulport, and their accompanying barrack and family quarters, to be ready for occupation.

Mr. Mason

The Clyde Submarine Base is due to commission before the end of 1967 when most of its major elements will be complete. Some of the installations, for example, the Royal Naval Polaris School, are already in use. The barracks and family quarters are being built in phase with the expected arrival of naval personnel at the Base.

Mr. Kershaw

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to equip the later Polaris boats with Poseidon.

Mr. Healey

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave today to the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell).