Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 30 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 November 1998. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Monday, 9 November 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if the United Kingdom's sub-strategic nuclear capability deployed on Trident missiles has been reduced as a result of the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review compared with the previous government's deployments. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the United Kingdom's sub-strategic nuclear capability deployed on Trident missiles has been reduced as a result of the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review compared with the previous Government's deployments. [58152] Mr. George Robertson: We stated in the Strategic Defence Review White Paper that each Trident submarine will carry the reduced load of 48 warheads when on deterrent patrol. This compares with the previous Government's announced ceiling of 96. The reduced load of 48 warheads will meet both our strategic and sub- strategic requirements in current Strategic circumstances. Details on the breakdown of this number is classified as this information could be used to provide insights into the precise capability of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent. I am therefore witholding this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 319 c71W; 58152
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Deployment Nuclear weapons Trident submarines Defence Review Trident missiles
Contains statistics: Yes