Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 1998. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Monday, 26 January 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what has been the impact of the introduction of Trident on (a) the availability of the United Kingdom's ballistic missile-carrying submarines to fire their missiles and (b) the number of submarines that can be deployed on patrol at any one time.

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the impact of the introduction of Trident on (a) the availability of the United Kingdom's ballistic missile-carrying submarines to fire their missiles and (b) the number of submarines that can be deployed on patrol at any one time. [24602] Mr. George Robertson: The introduction into service of our Trident submarines has not resulted in any change in the United Kingdom's policy of maintaining continuous deterrent patrols. Submarines on patrol are at a reduced alert state reflecting improved strategic conditions.

Secondary information