§ 25. Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in the construction of the fourth Trident submarine. [65548]
§ Mr. George RobertsonHMS Vengeance, the fourth Trident submarine, was launched in September last year. Contractors Sea Trials are due to start in the Spring.
§ 32. Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the percentage reduction in Trident warhead totals typically deployed on each submarine since 1 May 1997. [65555]
§ Mr. George RobertsonAs I said in my answer to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 16 July 1998,Official Report, column 237, Trident submarines had typically deployed on deterrent patrol with 60 warheads. One outcome of the Strategic Defence Review was our decision that each Trident submarine will carry a reduced load of 48 warheads. This is a 20 per cent. reduction in warheads carried.