To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he was informed of the proposed content relating to retention of the nuclear deterrent in the long term of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Mansion House speech prior to its delivery. (81533)

[holding answer 4 July 2006]: I have regular discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a range of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the time scale is for (a) a national debate, (b) a White Paper and (c) a decision to be made for the replacement of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. (82421)

Decisions on the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent will be taken this year. We expect to publish a White Paper once decisions have been taken and, as the Prime Minister made clear on 28 June 2006, Official Report, column 253, the means of consultation will be made clear when we publish the White Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what structures exist within the Government to provide a framework for formulation of policy on the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent; (82422)

Work is under way by officials in a number of Departments to prepare for decisions on the future of the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent. Ministers have been briefed by officials on some of the relevant issues and have requested that further work be undertaken.

It remains the case that no decisions have yet been taken, either in principle or in detail although, as the Prime Minister said on 28 June 2006, Official Report, column 253 decisions will be taken this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Ministers in other Departments about the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. (82424)

I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues and other Ministers on a wide range of issues.