HC Deb 26 July 1979 vol 971 cc359-60W
Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the explosion at AWRE Aldermaston on Monday 23 July in which it has been reported that a scientist has been killed.

Mr. Pym

I regret that on 23 July Mr. Peter Allen, a higher scientific officer, who at the time had been working alone promised in the recent Conservative Party manifesto. I am currently examining how this can best be done, but the issues are somewhat more complicated than might appear. I shall make an announcement as soon as I am in a position to do so. In the meantime I am writing to my hon. Friend.