§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Defence over how many years his Department's budget will bear the costs of Trident; and what percentage the project will represent of the total defence estimates in each of those years.
§ Mr. ButlerThe procurement period for the Trident system is currently assessed at about 20 years, during which it will account on average for some 3 per cent. of the defence budget and about 6 per cent. at its peak.