§ Mrs. Kellett-Bowmanasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the importance to the defence of Europe of a new generation of missile carrying nuclear submarines which are much less vulnerable to enemy attack than land—based weapons or airborne missiles, he will take steps to ensure that British Shipbuilders provide a covered facility at Barrow to expedite their construction.
§ Mr. PymI have made clear our commitment to maintain Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent, but it is too early to address detailed procurement options. Proposals for a covered facility at Barrow for the construction of nuclear fleet submarines are being considered.