§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the provision of aid to the Russian Federation to assist the safe transport and storage of nuclear weapons. [26263]
§ Mr. SoamesThe UK, at a cost of some £35 million, has provided Russia with 250 armoured weapon containers and 20 heavy armoured transport vehicles to provide additional protection for its nuclear warheads in transit and in storage. These warheads are those made surplus under the strategic arms reduction talks treaty. Russia has expressed its appreciation for this assistance.