Fleet Submarine

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 March 1969.

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Photo of Rear-Admiral Morgan Morgan-Giles Rear-Admiral Morgan Morgan-Giles , Winchester 12:00, 26 March 1969

asked the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he expects that Her Majesty's Government will place an order for an additional Fleet submarine.

Photo of Sir John Morris Sir John Morris Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Defence Equipment)

Negotiations are taking place with Vickers, and we hope to place the order very soon.

Photo of Rear-Admiral Morgan Morgan-Giles Rear-Admiral Morgan Morgan-Giles , Winchester

Does the Minister appreciate that these ships are extremely valuable and the main striking force of the Fleet? Is he aware that this sort of delay is one of the reasons why the Government's defence policy is just not catching on with the public?

Photo of Sir John Morris Sir John Morris Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Defence Equipment)

I am well aware of the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Question—there is no delay.

Photo of Mr Emrys Hughes Mr Emrys Hughes , South Ayrshire

May we have an idea of the cost of this submarine?

Photo of Sir John Morris Sir John Morris Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Defence Equipment)

No. It is not practice to give the cost of this submarine until the order has been completed.