§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons consideration of the Trident system has been excluded from the defence review. [15026]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe retention of Trident was a specific commitment in the Government's election manifesto. The review is however examining all aspects of our deterrence requirements to ensure they reflect changing strategic circumstances. The Government will also press for multi-lateral negotiations towards mutual, balanced and verifiable reductions in nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what strategic factors underlay his decisions to spend an extra £100 million on the Trident system. [15002]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe recent decision on a long standing element of the nearly completed Trident procurement programme is in line with the Government's manifesto commitment to retain Trident to provide a minimum credible nuclear deterrent.