Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 February 1998. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 February 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 26th January, 1998, 305 c27W, for what reasons he decided that details of the number of warheads deployed on Trident should be covered by exemption 1 of the code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations.

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 26 January 1998, Official Report, column 27, for what reasons he decided that details of the number of warheads deployed on Trident should be covered by exemption 1 of the code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations; and if he will make a statement. [26569] Mr. George Robertson: Maintaining some uncertainty about our precise nuclear capabilities enhances deterrence. Disclosure of the details of the exact number of warheads deployed on Trident would therefore harm our defence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 26569; 305 c654W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Nuclear weapons Nuclear submarines Trident Deterrence theory Trident missiles