19. Mr. Dannerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received regarding procedures for transporting nuclear weapons following the recent road accident on Salisbury Plain.
§ Mr. StanleyI assume the hon. and learned Member is referring to the accident involving a military convoy that occurred on 10 January near West Dean in Wiltshire. My Department as of 20 February had received 51 letters from right hon. and hon. Members and members of the public regarding that accident. In accordance with the practice of successive Governments, I can neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons, nor comment on their method of transportation.
Mr. Hoyle asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply on 10 February, Official Report, column 184, if those in charge of the arrangements for the transportation of dangerous military cargoes are informed of the number and type of 50-tonne road mobile cranes that are available for hire close to the routes of military convoys carrying dangerous cargoes; and what assessment has been made of the availability for hire by his Department of 50-tonne road mobile cranes throughout the United Kingdom and at any time.
§ Mr. StanleyThe drivers of all military vehicles carry instructions advising them which Service unit to contact if recovery assistance is required in the event of a breakdown. Service units maintain information on the recovery facilities available for hire, when required, from local commercial sources. No detailed assessment has been made of 50-tonne road mobile cranes as these are readily available for hire.