§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he was informed by the United States authorities of the incident in March when USS Nathaniel Green ran aground in the Irish Sea; whether there was any damage to the nuclear propulsion unit; if the Poseidon missiles aboard were armed; what action he took as a result; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyThe United States authorities informed my Department on 13 March that the USS Nathaniel Green had been damaged. Approval was given for the boat to berth at the Holy Loch facilities for repairs. I understand that the nuclear propulsion system was not damaged. It has been the policy of successive Governments neither to confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons.