HC Deb 03 July 1985 vol 82 cc171-2W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances Her Majesty's Government would increase the total of nuclear warheads currently planned to be equipped to Trident D5 submarine-based ballistic missiles; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on warhead numbers.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of all commissioned United Kingdom Trident D5 submarines will be available continually for deployment at sea.

Mr. Stanley

It will be possible to keep three Trident submarines in the operating cycle for a high proportion of the time, and two submarines in the operating cycle at all times. This will enable us to maintain continuously one submarine on patrol.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how often Her Majesty's Government estimates that Trident D5 submarines will require overhauling.

Mr. Adam Butler

It is currently planned that the Trident submarines should have commission times of about seven or eight years between major refits.