HC Deb 18 April 1988 vol 131 cc332-3W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the categories of weapons currently being transported by road from the base at Caerwent.

Mr. Freeman

No. It is not our practice to provide details of weapons or ammunitions stocks at particular sites.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the safety implications at Royal Air Force Caerwent of changing the transport of ammunition from road to rail.

Mr. Freeman

I am satisfied with the current arrangements for the transport of ammunition to and from RAF Caerwent, which involves movement both by rail and by road.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any propoals to improve the security of the transport of ammunition by contractors employed by the United States Army during collection, parking, and delivery of the loads.

Mr. Freeman

No. These responsibilities fall to the United States authorities who are subject to the same regulations governing the storage and handling of ammunition as Her Majesty's forces.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, in the interests of safety, he will stipulate that at least two drivers per vehicle are employed in the transport of ammunition from Royal Air Force bases.

Mr. Freeman

In accordance with the provisions of the Conveyance by Road of Military Explosives Regulations 1977, attendants are provided for each driver, or, where there is an organised convoy, in the leading, last and every fifth vehicle.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are made to ensure that drivers of ammunition lorries at the Caerwent base are sober and in a fit condition to drive before their vehicles are loaded at the base, Newport docks or other loading centres.

Mr. Freeman

The authorised explosives representative at the site is responsible for ensuring that ammunition is handled in accordance with the provisions of the Conveyance by Road of Military Explosives Regulations 1977.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if lorries transporting ammunition from the Caerwent base are escorted by military personnel.

Mr. Freeman

No.