HC Deb 09 March 1998 vol 308 cc40-1W
21. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future role of Trident. [31424]

Mr. George Robertson

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 2 February 1998,Official Report, column 468.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total lifetime cost of deploying the Trident nuclear capability. [31573]

Mr. George Robertson

The total procurement cost for Trident is estimated to be some £12.6 billion (1996–97 prices). Average running costs have been estimated at £200 million a year over the 30 year lifetime of the system. We are currently examining the basis upon which cost estimates have been calculated in the light of operating experience and as part of the wider Strategic Defence Review.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on negotiations with the USA concerning changes to the Trident warhead. [31574]

Mr. George Robertson

There are no negotiations with the US over upgrading or enhancing our Trident warhead and we have no requirement for any such upgrade. The United Kingdom will maintain close contact with the US to help to ensure our ability to underwrite the safety and reliability of our Trident warheads throughout their service life.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to(a) upgrade or (b) replace the Trident warhead. [31576]

Mr. George Robertson

The UK has no plans to upgrade or improve the capabilities of our Trident nuclear warhead. Any decision on a successor to the warhead will be taken in the light of the progress towards the Government's goal of verifiable global nuclear disarmament.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he will take to inform the public about his plans for the future development of Trident missiles. [31577]

Mr. George Robertson

The UK has no current requirement or plans for any development of the Trident D5 missile.