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Written question asked by Douglas Chapman (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 2 May 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 May 2019. It was answered by Stuart Andrew (Conservative) on Monday, 13 May 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator: Accountability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps she is taking to increase the transparency of the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator.

Answer

We have taken the step to not publish the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator's Annual Assurance Reports as it has been assessed to do so would impact national security. This step has not prevented the effective management and independent assessment of the Defence Nuclear Programme being reported to Ministers, nor has it prevented its duty holders being held to account, but we cannot accept any compromise of our capabilities in the current security climate.

The Government recognises that there is legitimate interest in nuclear safety, but we would not publish information that could be exploited by potential adversaries, compromising our national security. Overall, the Defence Nuclear Programme achieves the required standards of nuclear and radiological safety. The safety of the public, our submarine crews, the defence workforce and the protection of the environment remain the Department's priority.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
250493
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Accountability Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk