HC Deb 03 December 1968 vol 774 cc442-3W
Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will conduct a scientific survey into the nature of the risk attendant on the siting of nuclear submarines adjacent to the west coast of Scotland in regard to the possibility of accidents and in regard to general increase in radioactivity and in all other regards.

Mr. Healey

We have already conducted the necessary scientific inquiries. These have shown conclusively that the risk of an accident to a nuclear submarine reactor is exceedingly remote. Nevertheless, there are comprehensive accident safety procedures; and regular monitoring is in force to check that there is no local increase in radioactivity.

There is, of course, no risk whatever of any such accident causing a nuclear explosion.