HC Deb 30 April 1998 vol 311 cc236-8W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what reviews of manpower of the UKAEA Constabulary have been undertaken in 1997–98 and with what outcome; and what manpower reviews of the UKAEA Constabulary are planned for the future. [40215]

Mr. Battle

The Police Authority for the UKAEA Constabulary has a duty to consider all issues relating to the Constabulary. Following consultation with the Chief Constable, the Authority considers and formulates an agreed view of the Constabulary's objectives. One such objective (ongoing) is to ensure that the Constabulary has the right number of people at the right places to carry out their functions effectively and efficiently. To achieve this goal there is frequent liaison between the Chief Constable, Operational Unit Commanders, site management, and the Director of Civil Nuclear Security. The conclusion of these discussions and any disagreements are raised at the full meetings of the Police Authority.

Following discussions in the last year about two sites in particular, an increase in staff at both sites was agreed on the advice of the Chief Constable. Manpower will continue to be kept under review at all sites in the coming year, during which a full inspection by Her Majesty's inspectorate of Constabulary is also likely.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidance Ministers have issued to the UKAEA on policing levels and security at nuclear installations; and if he will place a copy of that guidance in the Library. [40216]

Mr. Battle

Requirements on policing levels and security at nuclear installations are issued to UKAEA by the Directorate of Civil Nuclear Security. The minimum standards laid down by the Directorate take full account of the United Kingdom's international obligations, and the Government's views on the appropriate levels of security which should be applied by the industry. They are by necessity classified and it would not be appropriate, therefore, for them to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the Government's policy in relation to the security and policing levels at those nuclear establishments policed by the UKAEA Constabulary; and if she will make a statement. [40217]

Mr. Battle

The Government's policy is that high standards of protection are to be maintained by all nuclear establishments, including those policed by the UKAEA Constabulary, even when the threat is assessed as low, in order to deter potential terrorists and to guard against any increase in the threat.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what additional emoluments were given to the Chief Constable of the Atomic Energy Authority consequent on his resignation.[40420]

Mr. Battle

The Chief Constable resigned from UKAEA in January 1998, giving three months notice, and will receive his normal salary and benefits under his contract of employment. He has been treated on exactly the same basis as would any employee who resigns from employment with UKAEA.

No further payments will be made following his departure on 1 May 1998. However, if he chooses to preserve his accrued pension benefits in the UKAEA Pension Scheme, under the rules of that Scheme these would be payable at his normal retirement age of 60—ie in 2003.