§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what alternative strategic nuclear deterrent systems for the United Kingdom other than Trident he has evaluated since 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerNone. As described in open government document 80/23 "The Future United Kingdom Strategic Nuclear Deterrent Force" and 82/1 "The United Kingdom Trident Programme", a number of alternative weapons systems were considered before the decision was made to purchase Trident II D5, which the Government believe to be the most cost-effective choice.