Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Friday, 6 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 June 2003. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Friday, 13 June 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether scientists at the Atomic Weapon Establishments are continuing their collaborative work with the United States on hydrodynamic and primary certification testing. - Includes ref to 12 February 2002, 380 c165-6W.

Answer: Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether scientists at the Atomic Weapon Establishments are continuing their collaborative work with the United States on hydrodynamic and primary certification testing. [118631] Dr. Moonie: The United Kingdom is continuing to participate in a series of hydrodynamic experiments in the USA to help ensure the safety and reliability of our Trident nuclear warheads. The Government attaches great importance to maintaining the safety and serviceability of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons. The Strategic Defence Review in 1998 confirmed the need for a robust capability to underwrite the safety and reliability of Trident, in the absence of nuclear testing. A scientific methodology is being developed at the Atomic Weapons Establishment to continue to give this assurance with high confidence. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 12 February 2002, Official Report, column 166W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Ms McIsaac). A review of the science behind this programme was published in "Nature" in February 2002.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 118631; 406 c1117W;406 c1119W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty AWE International cooperation Nuclear weapons Standards Safety Research Testing USA Trident missiles
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk