§ 28. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the cost of the electronic equipment used in the Trident programme will be spent with British firms manufacturing in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SpeedThe strategic weapon system—that is, the missiles and the equipment related to the missiles—will be purchased from the United States of America. The submarines will be built in the United Kingdom, and I would expect a very large proportion of the equipment, including electronic equipment, in the submarines to be manufactured here. We estimate that at least 70 per cent. of the total expenditure on the programme, including shore facilities, will be spent in the United Kingdom. I cannot give a more precise breakown of costs because decisions on submarine design have not yet been taken.