§ 8. Sir Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he gave to refitting nuclear submarines in commercial yards before deciding to spend £5 million in providing facilities at a third naval dockyard.
§ Mr. John MorrisEvery aspect of the matter was fully considered before the decision was announced that Devonport would be developed as a third nuclear dockyard. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence told my hon. Friend the Member for Bebington (Mr. Brooks) on 10th March, it will not be possible to produce a detailed estimate of the cost of providing the necessary facilities at Devonport until planning has reached a more advanced stage. This remains the position.—[Vol. 779, c.231-232.]