HC Deb 28 February 1994 vol 238 cc588-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence why his Department has decided to raise the maximum warhead ceiling for the United Kingdom's ballistic missile-carrying submarines when Trident replaces Polaris.

Mr. Aitken

The introduction of Trident represents no change in the Government's policy of maintaining only the minimum nuclear deterrent required for our security needs. We have long made it clear that we do not intend to use the full capacity of the Trident system and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 16 November that each submarine will deploy with no more than 96 warheads, and may carry significantly fewer.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department has decided how many warheads will be deployed on the first Trident submarine when it enters operational service.

Mr. Aitken

Planning for HMS Vanguard's first operational deployment is well advanced and assumes a particular number of warheads, within the maximum ceiling of 96 announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 16 November 1993.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 February,Official Report, column 516, if the maximum technical capability of Trident to deploy 192 warheads applies to Trident missiles fitted with the mark IV bus.

Mr. Aitken

Yes. All United Kingdom Trident missiles will be fitted with the mark IV bus.