HC Deb 31 July 1998 vol 317 c722W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the production of the first Trident warheads to cease; and when replacement production will begin. [54451]

Mr. George Robertson

A programme of refurbishment or replacement of Trident warheads will continue throughout the service life of the Trident system, in order to maintain its safety and reliability. Those warheads which are replaced rather than refurbished will be dismantled.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the cost of(a) constructing and (b) equipping each of the four Trident nuclear submarines. [53759]

Mr. George Robertson

The latest estimate of the cost of constructing each of the four Vanguard Class Trident submarines, at 1997–87 prices, is:

£ million
HMS Vanguard 11,644
HMS Victorious 879
HMS Vigilant 891
HMS Vengeance 863
1 Includes First of Class Costs

The estimated cost of their associated integrated strategic weapon system and tactical weapon system equipments is:

£million
HMS Vanguard 218
HMS Victorious 182
HMS Vigilant 151
HMS Vengeance 166