HC Deb 06 February 1996 vol 271 c167W
25. Lady Olga Maitland

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of the UK's nuclear deterrent. [12052]

Mr. Arbuthnot

The United Kingdom's independent minimum nuclear deterrent continues to provide the ultimate safeguard of this country's security and to make an important contribution to NATO's strategy of war prevention. The introduction into service of Trident will ensure that the United Kingdom retains a credible and effective minimum deterrent into the next century.

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the value of nuclear weapons to Britain's defence. [12031]

Mr. Portillo

Nuclear weapons continue to make an essential contribution to the security of the United Kingdom.