HC Deb 28 July 1978 vol 954 cc943-4W
Mr. Roper

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place an order for the next nuclear-powered submarine.

Dr. Gilbert

An order for the fourteenth nuclear Fleet submarine was placed with Vickers Shipbuilding Group Ltd. today. This will be the second submarine of the new Trafalgar class.

Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which the nuclear submarine, HMS "Revenge" was prevented from putting to sea by industrial action by civilian trade union members at Faslane.

Mr. Mulley

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Harrogate (Mr. Banks) on 25th July.—[Vol. 954, c. 1364–8.] The industrial action by civilian trades union members at Clyde submarine base specifically involved the blacking of deliveries of items required by HMS "Revenge" for her patrol.

Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the organisation of the Royal Navy Polaris force to avoid the situation where three out of four of the submarines are in port and unserviceable at the same time.

Mr. Mulley

I am satisfied that the present arrangements for the Polaris force ensure the achievement of a continuous deterrent patrol as an integral part of NATO's strategic nuclear force.

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