A MINISTER has given renewed commitment to keeping four boats part of the UK's continuous at sea deterrent, in a boost for Barrow's shipyard.

One MP asked the Government how viable it was to maintain the fleet of four boats that form the at sea nuclear deterrent of submarines built by BAE in Barrow.

For 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Royal Navy Vanguard-class submarines patrol the world’s oceans.

Four boats are needed as part of the fleet, with others needed for training or as replacements when others are being repaired.

The 50th anniversary of the continuous at sea deterrent was celebrated by BAE last year.

In a written question to the defence secretary, MP Richard Holden, of North West Durham, said: "What recent comparative assessment he has made of the viability of maintaining the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent with a (a) three and (b) four submarine nuclear weapons fleet."

In response, defence minister Jeremy Quin said it was essential that four boats were maintained.

"The United Kingdom's nuclear deterrence posture is continually reviewed to ensure we can meet the current security threats," he said.

"Continuous At Sea Deterrence requires four nuclear-armed submarines to ensure at least one is on patrol at all times, taking account of the cycle of deployment, training, and routine and unplanned maintenance.

"Three submarines cannot deliver an assured deterrent against current policy."

The Vanguard submarines were first brought into service in the UK in the 1990s with an intended service life of 25 years.

The next class of submarines, currently being built at the shipyard, is the Dreadnought class.

In a social media post, Stuart Klosinski, of S and T Klosinski Economic Development, welcomed the responsse saying: "The Parliamentary Answer spells out strategic need for four deterrent boats which is welcome news for Barrow,its shipyard, the huge UK supply chain & tens of thousands of UK jobs."