Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 July 1998. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Friday, 31 July 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to store non-operational warheads.

Answer: Mr. Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to store non-operational warheads. [54450] Mr. George Robertson: Operationally available warheads are either deployed on Trident submarines or stored in secure facilities ashore. Warheads in the processing margin or required for technical surveillance purposes are also held at secure locations ashore. In addition, obsolete Chevaline warheads and a few WE177 weapons remain in storage awaiting dismantlement. Where Trident warheads are replaced rather than refurbished during their service life, those withdrawn will also be stored for periods pending dismantling. We plan to dismantle all surplus warheads as quickly as possible.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 317 c721W; 54450
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Nuclear weapons Nuclear submarines Trident missiles WE177 nuclear bomb Polaris missiles