HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc385-6W
Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated total cost to the United Kingdom of United States technical assistance with the United Kingdom development of the ELS communication system for Trident.

Mr. Sainsbury

The Ministry of Defence has been considering the potential of extra low frequency communications as a means of improving the effectiveness of Royal Navy submarines, generally by allowing them to operate at greater depth and speed while receiving communications. This involves an evaluation of the practical characteristics of an ELF system through a trial installation, for which purpose technical assistance from a United States company has been provided under normal commercial contract procedures. The details of this are subject to commercial confidentiality and cannot be disclosed.

Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated total cost to the United Kingdom of United States technical assistance with the development of United Kingdom warheads for Trident.

Mr. Sainsbury

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to reveal information of this nature.