§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement about the investigation into a fraud at the atomic weapons establishment, Burghfield; and what type of equipment is involved;
(2) how many staff at the atomic weapons establishment, Burghfield, have resigned as a result of possible fraud charges relating to equipment used at the establishment.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the nature of the fraud at the atomic weapons establishment at Burghfield; what sums were involved; what equipment is missing; whether nuclear materials were involved; and whether the equipment and materials would be of use to a foreign power.
§ Mr. SainsburyThis matter is currently being investigated by the Ministry of Defence police and it would therefore be inappropriate to go into detail at present. However I can say that no classified or hazardous equipment or material is known to have been involved and that there is no reason to believe that national security has been prejudiced. One member of the staff has offered his resignation in this connection and this has been accepted.