§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the contingency planning for evacuating either the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment Aldermaston or Royal Ordnance Factory Burghfield in the event of serious nuclear mishap.
§ Mr. StanleyEmergency plans at both establishments specify the actions to be taken and include the provision for the evacuation of single buildings, groups of buildings or the entire site as appropriate. Such evacuation would be carried out under the control of the establishment directors.
In addition to these plans, comprehensive liaison arrangements exist with outside authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Department of the Environment, the Thames valley police, and Berkshire county council Emergency Planning Department and the local authorities.
Emergency plans are kept under constant review, and are tested and exercised periodically and up-dated as necessary.