HL Deb 31 March 1981 vol 419 c192WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What procedures are followed when a nuclear weapon (or warhead) reaches the end of its useful life.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Trenchard)

At the end of its useful life, a nuclear weapon is dismantled and reusable materials (which include all special nuclear materials) are recovered and reprocessed. Non-reusable components, including conventional high explosives, are disposed of in accordance with strict safety and security regulations.