Hansard

Trident

Volume 19: debated on Tuesday 2 March 1982

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Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total expenditure to date by Her Majesty's Government on the Trident C4 warhead programme.

Mr. Geoffrey Pattie

It has been the practice of successive Governments not to reveal cost information about nuclear warheads. However, virtually none of the expenditure to date is attributable exclusively to the Trident C4 programme.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the value of the design and development work so far undertaken on provision for the C4 Trident missile; what is the value of this work which would have to be written off if the D5 Trident missile is purchased; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Pattie

Acquisition of the Trident C4 missile from the United States is governed by the Polaris sales agreement, which provides for the United Kingdom to contribute to United States research and development costs through a surcharge on the cost of missiles and equipment. No direct design and development costs are therefore payable.