Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Thursday, 16 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list each of the ports authorised to accept the berthing of nuclear powered submarines in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) British overseas territories and protectorates; if he will indicate for which ports public safety plans, and emergency evaluation plans in respect of incidents involving nuclear submarines, exist; and if he will set out the scope of public accessibility of such plans. - Inc ref to 14 November 2000, 356 c575-6W.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each of the ports authorised to accept the berthing of nuclear powered submarines in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) British overseas territories and protectorates; if he will indicate for which ports public safety plans, and emergency evaluation plans in respect of incidents involving nuclear submarines, exist; and if he will set out the scope of public accessibility of such plans. [139518] Mr. Spellar: Ports authorised to accept the berthing of nuclear powered submarines, referred to as X and Z berths, in the United Kingdom, and British overseas territories and protectorates are detailed in the answer I gave on 14 November 2000, Official Report, columns 575-76W. All ports which are authorised to accept the berthing of nuclear powered submarines have public safety and emergency evacuation plans. The plans are accessible to the public with copies held by the local authority libraries.

Secondary information