§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what factors he attributes the increase in the cost of maintaining Polaris submarines from £58 million last year to £78 million in the current year; and if he will abolish them as a measure in his reduction of public expenditure.
§ Mr. DuffyIt is not the practice to publish a breakdown of the costs of the strategic nuclear force. The increase in costs shown is chiefly due to inflation. The Government's commitment to maintain the force is clearly stated in the 1976 Defence White Paper.