§ Mr. ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the accident records of nuclear submarines whilst they were undergoing maintenance at Chatham dockyard. [4786]
§ Dr. ReidThere have been no nuclear reactor accidents involving HM submarines. However, my Department does have records of a number of less serious incidents at Chatham dockyard involving the exposure of personnel to radiation and/or unauthorised discharges to the environment which warranted investigation at the time.
The reports of these incidents contain reference to individuals who may have been involved and to others who may have contributed information, sometimes in confidence, to the investigation. This precludes the release of the reports as they stand. I am seeking information from my officials as to the practicability of providing summaries of those incidents, and will write to the hon. Member in due course.