§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the efficiency and operational effectiveness of the Trident II system will be influenced by the arrangements for through-life logistic support to be provided by the United States of America.
§ Mr. LeeThe United States of America will provide the United Kingdom Trident II force with continuing spares, supply and maintenance support on a similar basis to that which applies to our current Polaris force. Furthermore, as a result of the Kings Bay decision, the United Kingdom will be able to make substantial savings in capital and running costs by processing its missiles in266W the United States of America. Our access to the United States own large-scale logistics support system, with all the associated benefits which arise from the very high priority accorded by the United States to its strategic nuclear systems, will allow us to take advantage of developments based on the United States experience of operating its own much larger Trident II force, and will contribute to the efficiency and operational effectiveness of our Trident II force.