§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of a holding berth; whether holding berths have permanent safety precautions against radiological hazards; and if he will publish in theOfficial Report a full list of all the locations of holding berths in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Archie HamlitonA holding berth is a berth available for use over the shortest practical period by a nuclear-powered warship in circumstances when an unplanned event either temporarily precludes the use of a Z or X berth to which it is on passage, or temporarily prevents the warship continuing with its intended movement when leaving a port or berth. A holding berth is for contingency use only and may not be used by 521W planned intent. Holding berths are all covered by public or special safety schemes, but, because they are by nature off shore, much of the detail that applies to Z and X berths is not appropriate. When a nuclear-powered warship is temporarily occupying a holding berth, a tug must be in attendance, other shipping must be required to pass or anchor away from the warship, and an emergency radiation monitoring team must be maintained on call in operational readiness. There are holding berths off shore from Barry, Cardiff, Devonport, Liverpool and Rosyth.