Nuclear Weapons
Oral Answers to Questions — Defence
House of Commons debates, 2 November 2009, 2:30 pm
Michael Fabricant (Whip, Whips; Lichfield, Conservative)
What recent progress has been made towards procurement of the next generation of the nuclear deterrent; and if he will make a statement.
Bob Ainsworth (Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)
The concept phase for the future deterrent programme is making good progress. The defence board will consider that work later this year.
Michael Fabricant (Whip, Whips; Lichfield, Conservative)
I am pleased to hear that it is making good progress, but the Secretary of State will know that both the Government and the Conservative party are committed to a nuclear deterrent and yet this one is beginning to wear out. When will we have an announcement on when there will be a replacement?
Bob Ainsworth (Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)
All our plans were laid out in the 2006 White Paper. The position has not changed on my side of the House; the only person who has brought the position into question is the shadow Chancellor, who appears to have waged—
John Bercow (Speaker)
Order. We will not go into the question of the views of the shadow Chancellor now.
David Taylor (North West Leicestershire, Labour)
Since Britain launched its first nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Dreadnought, in 1960, 15 vessels have been taken out of service and defuelled, and 12 more are due for that before 2040. Will the Secretary of State say what the plans are for the dumping of dangerous radioactive waste? In this weekend's newspapers we saw details of 12 alleged sites from a Ministry of Defence "secret list".
Bob Ainsworth (Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)
Plans will be drawn up for the disposal of nuclear submarines, and a proper consultation will take place as soon as is appropriate on any plans that we have, so my hon. Friend should not listen to scare stories that he reads in the newspapers.