§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether the United Kingdom is still committed to holding a stock of spares for seven years for the Polaris missile;
(2) given the eventual phasing out of the 10 remaining US Polaris submarines, what provision has been made for the United Kingdom to retain access to a viable weapons system.
§ Dr. GilbertSufficient spares for the Polaris missile will be held to retain the viability of the system. The Polaris Sales Agreement remains in force.
§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the long refit cycle of the United Kingdom Polaris submarine force.
§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated hull-life of the Polaris boats.
§ Mr. DuffyI have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley (Mr. Mason) told the House on 9th March 1976.—[Vol. 907, c. 231.]