HL Deb 16 December 1993 vol 550 c128WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether their defence policies, including their decision to depend wholly on Trident as nuclear launcher, have taken into account defence policy developments in Washington, including in particular developments in "theatre" anti-ballistic missile defences, and if so what risk the latter pose to Trident.

Viscount Cranborne

The decision to plan to use the Trident system to provide the vehicle for the delivery of our sub-strategic deterrent in the long term took into account all relevant factors. The development of theatre ballistic missile defences by the United States does not affect Trident.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their view of United States-Russian collaboration in anti-ballistic missile technology and what are the implications for Britain's Trident missiles.

Viscount Cranborne

The Government follow developments in anti-ballistic missile capabilities closely, and hold regular consultations with the US authorities. We will deploy on Trident the minimum capability necessary to provide effective deterrence.