Nuclear Information Service

This region of the NIS site shows published records of UK government policy and parliamentary debates on nuclear weapons issues. It includes articles and links to the latest parliamentary debates; the views of media commentators and NGOs. The HANSARD section lists parliamentary questions and government ministers’ answers, which are a regular source of detailed information on all aspects of nuclear weapons manufacture, operations and military policy.

Flood map for AWE Burghfield. Shaded areas represent areas at significant risk of flooding, where the chance of flooding each year is greater than 1.3% (1 in 75).

events notice

NEW NIS Submission to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY CONSULTATION

Global Security: Non-Proliferation

NIS argues that the risks posed by British nuclear weapons production and road transport of warheads threaten each individual citizen and our way of life. Additionally, the risk of a criticality event at the substandard warhead assembly/disassembly facilities at AWE Burghfield is also unacceptable and unjustifiable.

Read the NIS submission to the FCO.

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MOD Stops Live Nuclear Work at AWE due to preasure from NII over safety risks..
2007 Annual Report released by NIS.
A New Film Exposes Deadly Cargo on British Roads..

Hansard on AWE Aldermaston, Dec 15th 2008

2008-12-15 15:00

*Mr Mike Hancock *(Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Lewes of 10 ovember 2008, Official Report, column 777W, on AWE Aldermaston, hether his Department is considering financing any elements of the rogramme to replace the Trident nuclear warhead through private finance initiatives. (244306)

*Quentin Davies MP*

There is no programme to develop a new UK nuclear warhead. There is, however, work being undertaken to inform decision, likely to be taken n the next Parliament, on whether and, if so, how we might need to refurbish or replace our current warhead. There are no plans to introduce private finance initiatives to fund this work.

*Mr Mike Hancock *(Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Blaneau went of 29 October 2008, Official Report, column 1029W, when he expects the commercial discussions between his Department and AWE plc to conclude. (244305)

*Quentin Davies MP*

Discussions between the Ministry of Defence and AWE plc in respect of these matters are continuing. We hope to reach a final settlement during the next financial year.
*Mr Mike Hancock *(Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his estimates are of the capital costs for the proposed (a) small components manufacturing, (b) conventional manufacturing rationalisation, (c) high explosives fabrication and (d)

uranium handling facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. (244304)

* *

*Quentin Davies MP*

I am withholding the information as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice commercial interests.

*Mr Mike Hancock *(Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer to the hon. Member for Lewes, 10 November 2008, Official Report, column 777W, on AWE Aldermaston, if he will place in the Library a copy of the preliminary safety report for the proposed uranium handling facility at AWE Aldermaston which has been provided to the Health and Safety Executive. (244285)

*Quentin Davies MP*

As I stated in my answer on 10 November 2008 (Official Report, column 777W), should the proposed replacement uranium handling facility proceed, a preliminary safety report would be completed. The document to which the hon Member refers does not currently exist.

*AWE Aldermaston*

*Norman Baker:* To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the Preliminary Safety and Environment Document for the proposed Uranium Enrichment Facility at AWE Aldermaston. [**234201**]

*Mr. Quentin Davies:* As I stated in my answer on 4 November 2008, /Official Report,/ column 300W, there are no plans to build a uranium enrichment facility at the atomic weapons establishment.

Should the proposed replacement uranium handling facility, to which I also referred, proceed, a preliminary safety report will then be completed as required by the Health and Safety Executive.