§ 21. Mr. TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects to be in a position to announce specific decisions on the development and acquisition of new short-range nuclear and nuclear-capable missiles.
§ 70. Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects to be in a position to announce specific decisions in the development and acquisition of new short-range nuclear and nuclear-capable missiles.
§ Mr. Ian StewartI refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 21 June at column496.
§ 47. Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current programme to update Britain's nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. Ian StewartWork is proceeding on schedule with the modernisation of Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent through Trident. In addition, we are looking at options to replace the freefall bomb, which currently provides this country's sub-strategic nuclear capability; however, no procurement decisions in this area have yet been taken. Modernisation is vital to ensure the continuing effectiveness and survivability of our weapons; it will of course remain the Government's policy to maintain only the minimum forces necessary for credible deterrence.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the implications for the long-term future of the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to United Kingdom armed forces, in particular the Royal Navy, not to confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons in force deployments, of the requirements of intrusive verification techniques as part of arms control agreements.
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§ Mr. Ian StewartThere are no arms control agreements either in force or in prospect which would cause us to change the policy neither to confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons in United Kingdom force deployments.