Written question asked by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 3 September 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 September 2010. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 8 September 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Trident

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the decision on the UK's future nuclear warheads is due to be taken during the present Parliament; and whether he plans to announce to Parliament the estimated cost of warhead (a) replacement and (b) refurbishment as part of the Trident value for money review.

Answer: The Trident value for money study is considering the future nuclear deterrent's programme timetable. No decisions have been taken on whether to refurbish or replace the UK's nuclear warhead. The 2006 White Paper 'Future of the United Kingdom's Nuclear Deterrent' (Cm6994) set out the initial cost estimate of replacing or refurbishing the UK's nuclear warhead as £2-3 billion at 2006-07 prices. On current plans, we will be in a position to release more up to date cost estimates later this year after the project has passed Initial Gate approval point.

Secondary information