§ 41. Mr. Pargiterasked the Minister of Defence, in view of his statement that it is the Government's intention to maintain an independent nuclear deterrent, what British vehicle he proposes to employ for this purpose; and what estimate he will give as to the probable cost.
§ Mr. WatkinsonIn the defence debate on 20th July, I explained to the House the Government's plans for an independent British contribution to the nuclear deterrent of the West, based in the main on the V-bomber element of Bomber Command. This force is of the highest quality and has a formidable supply of nuclear weapons available to it. The cost of the strategic nuclear deterrent is expected to run at about 10 per cent. of the defence budget.