HC Deb 16 November 1982 vol 32 cc149-50W
15. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Dunbarton district council about the modified plan for the Trident base at Coulport; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wiggin

My officials have written to the Dunbarton district council to confirm that the previous planning submission on the Loch Long development has been superseded and that new plans will be presented as soon as the further studies, on the reduced facilities required, are completed.

18. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimate of the percentage of the total cost of the Trident programme that will be spent in the United States of America.

38. Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest estimate of the percentage of the total cost of the Trident programme that will be spent in the United States of America.

Mr. Nott

Taking account of changes since the announcement on 16 March of our intention to acquire the Trident II (D5) weapon system, our present estimate is that we shall still spend about 45 per cent. of the forecast of the Trident project in the United States.

29. Mr. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will review his decision to have Trident missiles serviced in the United States of America.

Mr. Nott

I do not plan to review the decision to use the planned United States facilities at Kings Bay, Georgia, for the initial preparation for service of our Trident missiles, and their refurbishment at the end of the seven to eight year commission of our submarines. The intention is that at other times the missiles will remain in our Trident submarines where such periodic servicing as is necessary will be carried out.