§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry with whom the office for Civil Nuclear Security discussed the potential vulnerability to attack of the Sellafield MOX plant, following the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001; and if she will place in the Library a declassified version of the report prepared by the OCNS on SMP security. [63839]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Office for Civil Nuclear Security consulted with HSE's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and other Government departments and agencies as appropriate, as well as the Sellafield site licensees in considering the consequences of the attacks in the United States last September and in reviewing security measures in place at Sellafield. OCNS reports concentrate on security measures and as it is not Government policy to disclose details of security measures taken at civil nuclear sites, I will not be placing any declassified versions in the Libraries of the House.
§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether there is a prohibition against employing staff members of non Governmental organisations or independent research institutes as specialists for the office for Civil Nuclear Security. [63840]
§ Mr. WilsonThere is no such restriction. All applicants for posts to be filled are assessed on their suitability to meet the requirements of the post and vetting requirements. OCNS, as elsewhere in Government, is an equal opportunities employer.
§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she plans to increase the operating budget of the Office for Civil Nuclear Security. [63837]
§ Mr. WilsonIt has been agreed by the Treasury that the budget for the office for Civil Nuclear Security will be increased by £200,000 for the financial year 2002–03 and by £300,000 for the financial year 2003–04 in order to cover additional security and vetting posts.