§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, as reported, Trident refitting is now to he entrusted to an American owned firm, and whether this is compatible with the independence the British nuclear forces are intended to demonstrate.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)Negotiations on the design and build of the facilities for refitting Vanguard class and, ultimately, all nuclear powered submarines at Devonport are proceeding with the consortium forming Devonport Management Ltd. While negotiations are proceeding it would not be appropriate to speculate about the outcome. A decision on contract award is expected in the first part of this year. The ultimate ownership of any company entrusted with the work would have no effect on the operational independence of the national deterrent.