§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has received from Mr. Michael Phillips of Haden Young on developments in the A90 contract.
§ Mr. SainsburyNone.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment had been made of the progress of the A90 project prior to its amendment to a cost-plus basis.
§ Mr. SainsburyI refer the hon. Member to paragraph 10 appendix 4 of the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General—"Control and Management of the Trident Programme"—HC 27.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has discussed with Sir Ronald Mason the role of managers and scientists at AWE Aldermaston in the development of the A90 construction project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyNo.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration was given to basing the design and construction techniques used for the A90 project closely on similar projects in the United States of America.
§ Mr. SainsburyIn response to a report in 1978 by an independent expert, Sir Edward Pochin, which highlighted deficiencies in existing aging facilities at AWRE, MOD instituted a study to examine the available options to224W ensure the retention of nuclear warhead research and development and fissile component manufacturing capabilities. This study concluded that the best course would be to build a new facility based on the TA55 plutonium facility at Los Alamos scientific laboratory. In 1980 the then Secretary of State approved the construction of the new facility together with associated minimum remedial work essential for the United Kingdom location.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any allegations have been received by him concerning the conduct of the A90 project by any participating contractors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyI assume the hon. Member has in mind the allegations made in the recent "World in Action" programme. The contract in question is the responsibility of the Property Services Agency which I understand is currently investigating the claims made in the programme.