§ 19. Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Ministers of other NATO countries regarding assistance towards the dismantling of nuclear weapons in the countries of the former Soviet Union.
§ Mr. AitkenThere have been no such discussions recently. This programme of nuclear assistance is co-ordinated by the NATO ad hoc group on nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union in which the United Kingdom participates.
On 10 November 1992, my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian Foreign Minister, which sets out the terms for the supply of 250 nuclear weapons super-containers and 20 nuclear weapons transport vehicles, which are being gifted to Russia to help with the safe and secure transport of surplus nuclear warheads. The estimated cost of this programme is £35 million at current prices. I am pleased to inform the House that the first batch of 48 super-containers was handed over to Russia on 8 May. Deliveries will continue through the year and are expected to be completed by the end of 1994. This programme of assistance is a significant contribution to nuclear arms control.