§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will remove the responsibility for the maintenance and servicing of the Polaris fleet from Civil Service personnel to Royal Navy personnel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerThe various aspects of the maintenance and servicing of the Polaris fleet are the responsibility of both the Royal Navy and the Civil Service, the division being made on what has been regarded as the most efficient and economic basis. The problems of the present situation are being kept under continuous review. However, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State advised the House on 19 May—[Vol. 5, c. 141–2]—despite the difficulties which have been caused by the Civil Service industrial action, essential services have been, and will continue to be, maintained.