HC Deb 17 July 1990 vol 176 cc533-4W
16. Mr. David Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the latest progress made to replace the Polaris strategic nuclear deterrent with Trident.

Mr. Alan Clark

The programme to replace Polaris with Trident is on time and within budget and continues to make satisfactory progress towards its in-service date of the mid-1990s.

17. Dr. Moonie

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any consideration has been given to the Trident nuclear submarine in his review of options.

20. Mr. Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any consideration has been given to the Trident nuclear submarine in his review of options.

22. Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any consideration has been given to the Trident nuclear submarine in his review of options.

67. Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any consideration has been given to the Trident nuclear submarine in his review of options.

Mr. Tom King

As I informed the House on 18 June, we believe it is essential to keep our independent nuclear deterrent; that means that we intend to proceed with the replacement of Polaris with Trident. As the London summit declaration made clear, we believe nuclear weapons have a crucial role to play in the prevention of war.