Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 1998. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will comment on the impact of the delay to the Deep Waste Repository on the afloat storage of decommissioned nuclear submarines.

Answer: Mr. Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact of the delay to the Deep Waste Repository on the afloat storage of decommissioned nuclear submarines. [33272] Mr. George Robertson: Afloat storage is not time limited and is safe. However, space at Devonport Naval Base and at Rosyth Royal Dockyard is finite and is expected to reach its capacity some years before any Deep Waste Repository may become available. As a result, my Department is now investigating other options, including interim land storage and other sites for storage afloat. Safety to the public and to the environment will be of paramount importance when considering the way forward.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 33272; 307 c626W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Decommissioning Nuclear power Radioactive materials Safety Waste disposal Nuclear submarines