HC Deb 16 May 1986 vol 97 cc572-3W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the Government have contingency plans for using the armed services to assist in smothering an atomic reactor in the event of a nuclear explosion causing pollution of the atmosphere; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

The Health and Safety Executive's booklet "Emergency Plans for Civil Nuclear Installations" outlines the flexible contingency plans which have been drawn up and regularly tested to respond to any emergency at a United Kingdom civil nuclear installation. The arrangements have been designed to be capable of extension in the remote possibility of a serious accident. In these circumstances the part that might best be played by all the resources of Government, including those of the armed services would be considered as necessary.