Trident: Test Firing Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Trident: Test Firing

Steven Paterson Excerpts
Monday 23rd January 2017

(7 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Fallon Portrait Sir Michael Fallon
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I do agree. Previous Governments have been very careful to maintain the secrecy of the deterrent; I think it is important that we keep to that.

Steven Paterson Portrait Steven Paterson (Stirling) (SNP)
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Have there been any other missile test failures of this type that the Government have chosen not to share with the House of Commons, and am I better off asking that question or watching a White House briefing if I want to get that kind of information?

Michael Fallon Portrait Sir Michael Fallon
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I am not confirming particular details of the operation and testing of the various systems and sub-systems involved. All I can do is remind the hon. Gentleman that, overall, the demonstration and shakedown operation was concluded successfully, allowing HMS Vengeance to take its part in the four-boat operational cycle.