HL Deb 17 January 1985 vol 458 cc1163-4WA
Lord Brockway

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the cost to Britain of (1) the research, design and production, and (2) the testing of the nuclear weapon tested under the Nevada Desert on 9th December, and whether they will cease to participate in furher tests while negotiations proceed for the comprehensive banning of tests.

Lord Trefgarne

The test was conducted in order to maintain the effectiveness of our nuclear capabilities. For security reasons it is not possible to release details, including costs, of the nuclear tests. A decision on our part to make a unilateral halt in nuclear testing would not be in Western interests nor would it improve the prospects for a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.