§ 17. Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the costs of maintaining the United Kingdom's nuclear defence capability including procurement costs in the last available year; and if he will make a statement. [4326]
193W
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe Royal Navy's Trident missile submarines now provide Britain's independent nuclear deterrent and hence the ultimate guarantee of our security. Trident acquisition costs in 1995–96 amounted to £401 million, from an estimated total for the programme of £12.2 billion. Trident and Polaris running costs in 1995–96 are estimated to have totalled some £215 million. Trident running costs over the lifetime of the programme are estimated to be around £200 million per annum.
§ 22. Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received about Britain's nuclear deterrent. [4331]
§ Mr. SoamesWe regularly receive representations from hon. Members and the public about our nuclear deterrent.