Trident shiplift, crewing, Franco-British Co-operation, Trident in Gibraltar and Brest. House of Commons, Written Questions 10 Jan 2000 : Column: 92W Faslane Shiplift Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 19 June the shiplift at Faslane has been used by (a) submarines and (b) surface ships; and if he will make a statement. [103411] Mr. Spellar [holding answer 21 December 1999]: Since 19 June 1999, the Shiplift at HM Naval Base Clyde has been used for the operational dockings of one surface ship (Minor War Vessel) from 22 June to 2 July, and one submarine (SSBN) from 7 July to 8 August. The facility has been non-operational since 1 September while essential Y2K compliance work was undertaken on the lift control and protection system. The replacement system completed the commissioning phase on 17 December. POLICY & TRIDENT Written Questions 18 Jan 2000 : Column: 398W Nuclear Deterrent – operating regime ms Squire: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in implementing the aspects of the Strategic Defence Review relating to the nuclear deterrent; and if he will make a statement. [105643] Mr. Hoon: The SDR conducted a rigorous re-examination of our deterrence requirements. The Government have made it clear that we shall maintain the minimum credible nuclear deterrent while working towards the global elimination of nuclear weapons. The longer-term goals of arms control, non-proliferation and multilateral disarmament were advanced considerably by a range of SDR measures. In addition to announcing Trident as the UK's only nuclear weapon system, these included: a reduction in the number of warhead (Column: 399W) deployed in each submarine; a significant reduction in the size of the UK's total nuclear weapon stockpile; the de-targeting of Trident missiles; having only one submarine on deterrent patrol, and the placing of the submarine on deterrent patrol at several days' notice to fire. These measures have all been introduced. Following a trial period of moving towards single crewing of SSBNs, we have however decided to retain double crews. This decision reflects our determination, as part of our policy for people, to minimise the pressure on our service personnel and give them greater stability and time with their families. House of Lords Written Questions Jan 2000 : Column WA168 Nuclear Deterrent Lord Christopher asked Her Majesty's Government: What progress has been made in implementing the aspects of the Strategic Defence Review relating to the nuclear deterrent.[HL564] Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The SDR conducted a rigorous re-examination of our deterrence requirements. The Government have made it clear that we shall maintain the minimum credible nuclear deterrent whilst working towards the global elimination of nuclear weapons. The longer term goals of arms control, non-proliferation and multilateral disarmament were advanced considerably by a range of SDR measures. In addition to announcing Trident as the UK's only nuclear weapon system, these [24 Jan 2000 : Column WA169] included: a reduction in the number of warheads deployed in each submarine; a significant reduction in the size of the UK's total nuclear weapon stockpile; the de-targeting of Trident missiles; having only one submarine on deterrent patrol, and the placing of the submarine on deterrent patrol at several days' notice to fire. These measures have all been introduced. Following a trial period of moving towards single crewing of SSBNs, we have, however, decided to retain double crews. This decision reflects our determination, as part of our policy for people, to minimise the pressure on our service personnel and give them greater stability and time with their families. House of Commons, Written Questions 8 Feb 2000 : Column: 112W Royal Navy Links Ms Squire: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress has been made on strengthening links between the Royal Navy and the French Navy. [109358] Mr. Spellar: I am pleased to announce that HMS Victorious will shortly conduct a port visit to France. She will arrive in Brest on 11 February. This is the second visit of its kind, the first having taken place at Gibraltar in November 1998. The visit has been made possible as a result of the reduced operational tempo of our SSBN fleet, as implemented in the Strategic Defence Review.