§ 37. Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the capability of Soviet defences to counter the Trident missile when it is deployed.
§ Mr. StanleyNo developments in Soviet anti-ballistic missile defences are currently foreseen which are likely to negate the deterrent effect of the Trident force within the lifetime of the system.
39. Mr. Mark Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about the relative economics of Trident as the future nuclear deterrent option.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonNone. Trident is the most cost-effective way of providing Britain with the necessary minimum deterrent after Polaris.