Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 July 1998. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 30 July 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, to comment on decommissioning operations at (a) AWE, Foulness and (b) AWE, Cardiff.

Answer: Mr. Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on decommissioning operations at (a) AWE, Foulness and (b) AWE, Cardiff. [52158] Mr. Spellar: Although AWE vacated the Foulness site in December 1997, trials work has continued in support of the nuclear warhead programme via a contractual arrangement between AWE and the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, DERA. In addition, a number of existing facilities are being retained until the 31 March 2002 on a care and maintenance basis for use in those trials, and against possible future requirements by AWE. A programme of Post-Operative Clear Out, limited decommissioning and demolition was carried out by AWE prior to December 1997. A Land Quality Statement has been lodged with DERA against which future decommissioning of the rest of the site will be done. A price has recently been agreed with AWE plc for the decommissioning of the Cardiff site.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 317 c446W; 52158
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Decommissioning AWE Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Shoeburyness AWE Cardiff