§ 2. Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the total cost of the Trident missile system over its remaining operational life. [2041]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. John Spellar)Remaining acquisition costs for the Trident system, as at September 1996, stood at just under £1.5 billion. Operating costs will average £200 million per annum over a 30-year in-service life.
§ Mr. CorbynWill the Minister confirm that that cost is astronomical and that the money could be much better used on the much needed social infrastructure of this country—health, education and housing—and that nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons capability will be included in the defence review? Will the Department give a serious answer to the International Court of Justice decision regarding the legality and morality of any state in the world holding nuclear weapons?
§ Mr. SpellarI confirm that the figures that I have given constitute 1 per cent. of the defence budget over the next 30 years. I should also point out that both my hon. Friend and I stood at the last election on a manifesto in which we said very firmly that we would retain Trident.
§ Mr. WilkinsonWill the Minister clarify his answer? Does it mean that the Labour Government will keep four boats in service throughout the period in question—throughout the operational life of the Trident missile system—and that one boat will be kept permanently on station, so that the full deterrent effectiveness can be maintained?
§ Mr. SpellarThe answer is quite straightforward. The fourth boat has already been ordered, and will be delivered. We shall be looking at retaining the minimal deterrent that is necessary to fulfil our obligations.