Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 November 1998. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Monday, 2 November 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if the reduced day-to-day alert state of UK Trident missiles referred to in the report on the Strategic Defence Review involves physical changes to the missiles or their guidance systems. - Holding answer 28 October 1998).

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the reduced day-to-day alert state of UK Trident missiles referred to in the report on the Strategic Defence Review involves physical changes to the missiles or their guidance systems. [55868] Mr. George Robertson: [holding answer 28 October 1998]: No physical changes to the missiles or guidance systems are involved; UK Trident missiles have been detargeted since 1994. During the Cold War submarines on deterrent patrol were routinely at Quick Reaction Alert, able to fire their missiles within a few minutes. With the single submarine on deterrent patrol now at several days notice to fire, the Commanding Officer has greater flexibility in the day-to-day operation of the vessel and is able to carry out the secondary tasks announced in the Strategic Defence Review without compromising the security or the effectiveness of the deterrent.

Secondary information