§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many underground tests are required to develop a new nuclear warhead;
(2) whether the frequency of the United Kingdom's underground nuclear tests provides statistically significant evidence of the safety of the entire stockpile of the United Kingdom's nuclear warheads; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether underground nuclear tests will remain necessary for as long as the United Kingdom retains its nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyIt has been the policy of successive Governments not to disclose the purpose of individual underground nuclear tests, beyond saying that they are required488W
to maintain the effectiveness of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent".