§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What procedures they intend to adopt for a further evaluation of the possible effectiveness, value for money and ability to contribute to national security and independence, of ballistic missile defence systems.
Earl HoweOur assessment of the need for ballistic missile defence for the United Kingdom is continuing. At present the Government have no plans for a further evaluation of the ballistic missile defence systems which have been studied in the course of work to inform current policy deliberations. Any further evaluation would, however, be conducted in accordance with established procedures for equipment acquisition, and would include full technical, cost and risk analyses.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of Baroness Chalker of Wallasey's Answer of 15th July 1996 (H.L. Deb., col. WA 40), whether it is their intention, or that of the United States, to conduct laboratory and computer experiments relating to the improvement of nuclear weapons, specifically making use of the 1.8-Teraflops-Capable Supercomputer soon to be brought on-line at the Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, US, the primary use of which is reported to be to simulate nuclear weapons tests.
Earl HoweThe UK will continue to carry out those activities necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of our nuclear deterrent in a manner consistent with our obligations under the CTBT. It is not possible to say whether we will make use of the particular equipments or facilities being procured or planned by the US. The specific uses to which the US supercomputer is to be put is a matter for the US Government. The UK will however continue its technical exchanges with the US on nuclear defence related matters which include the use of advanced computers, such as the one described.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are taking part in the US "Science Based Stockpile Stewardship Program" and whether the purpose of this programme is, or could be, to design new warheads or to improve the reliability of existing nuclear weapons.
Earl HoweQuestions related to the scope and purpose of the US Science Based Stockpile Stewardship Programme are matters for the US Government. The UK has its own programme, which is designed to maintain the safety and reliability of UK Trident Warheads as well as preserving long term capability. We will however co-operate closely with the US on some elements of their Science Based Stockpile Stewardship Programme.