Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the composition, role and powers of the nuclear-powered warships safety committee; who appoints it; to whom it reports: and what decision-making powers it has.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe nuclear-powered warships safety committee consists of serving and retired experts in nuclear and related fields from both within and outside the Ministry of Defence. Its members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Defence. Its terms of reference are to advise the Secretary of State and other Ministers on all public safety measures concerned with the construction, operation and maintenance of nuclear-powered warships. Although the committee has no executive powers, in practice the Ministry of Defence has always followed its advice on matters which fall within its terms of reference.