§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence what effect a shortage of health physicists will have on the current and future work of the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeCurrently, the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment's programme is not adversely affected by shortage of health physics staff, but to sustain the programme with confidence for the future it is important both to increase their strength and to continue recruitment of other staff, like skilled craftsmen, in short supply.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the approved establishment for health physicists at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston; how many are currently in post; and what steps are being taken to fill vacancies.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe approved establishment of health physicists at or above
738Wof value added tax.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe information requested is as follows:
the grade of higher scientific officer or equivalent is 38. The number in post is 19, which compares with the figure of seven given in the Pochin report. Vigorous efforts are being made to continue to fill the vacancies by recruitment, transfer and training, and currently eight offers are being processed. Overall manning of health physics posts, including supervisors and surveyors, is now 97 compared with the Pochin figure of 43 in post in 1978, although many are still under training.