§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated capital cost of the new plutonium process facility to be constructed at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston; when it will be completed; when he approved the proposals for construction; and why the construction of the facility is being proceeded with at this time.
§ Mr. PattieAs I explained to the House on 19 October 1981— [Official Report, Vol. 10, c. 71]—the new plutonium processing facility to be constructed at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston, is part of a continuing programme of replacement and 293W improvement of ageing capital facilities to maintain the effectiveness of the British nuclear deterrent. Approval for the facility was given in th spring of 1980 and the work will take account of the recommendations on health protection and safety made by Sir Edward Pochin in his 1978 report. It is planned to complete the work in the late 1980s. It is not the practice to disclose detailed costs.
§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of new solid and liquid waste treatment, decontamination and disposal facilities and stores to be constructed at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston; what other facilities are to be constructed during the next decade and at what cost; and what is the total estimated cost of planned new works at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston during the next decade.
§ Mr. PattieA programme of replacement and improvement of capital facilities at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston, is planned over the next decade. It is not the practice to disclose detailed costs.