Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when West Glamorgan county council is to be informed of the nuclear-powered warship safety committee's decision regarding berthing of nuclear submarines at Swansea; to whom it is to be communicated; what form the consultation with the council will take; what issues it will cover; and what powers the council has to stop the use of such a berth at the port.
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding answer 13 July 1989]: The Ministry of Defence will be in touch with the chief executive of West Glamorgan county council as soon as the Royal Navy is ready to proceed. A public safety plan will need to be drawn up in consultation with council, fire, police and health officials. The disposition of naval vessels is a matter which affects national security, and as such it must remain the responsibility of central rather than local government. A defence policy can be effective only if applied on a national basis.