§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what design studies have been commissioned to find a replacement for Trident nuclear submarines. [179006]
§ Mr. HoonAs set out in paragraph 3.11 of the 2003 Defence White Paper (Cm 6041–1), decisions on whether to replace Trident are likely to be needed in the next Parliament. In the meantime, we will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure that the range of options for maintaining a nuclear deterrent capability is kept open until that decision point. This will include appropriate design studies.