To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his NATO counterparts on the future of the UK nuclear deterrent. (94992)

It remains our intention that decisions on the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent will be taken later this year. Officials are now working to prepare for these decisions and, as part of this work, we are getting information from a variety of sources. I am withholding the detail of any specific discussions with other Governments as this would, or would be likely to prejudice international relations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the level of national security of UK allies who have chosen not (a) to retain and (b) to obtain a nuclear weapons capability. (95217)

[holding answer 19 October 2006]: We do not make assessments of the national security arrangements of our NATO allies.