Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the forecast total cost is of the Vanguard class submarine Life Extension Programme.

As the Dreadnought Class submarine programme progresses, we continue to review life extension options to ensure the Vanguard Class submarines continue to operate safely during the phased transition from the Vanguard Class to the Dreadnought Class. The associated costs will be linked to the operational programme, information on which is withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.