§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the criteria for designating a Z-berth; what provisions for civilian safety and evacuation exist at Z-berth sites; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonIndividual Z-berths are designated on the basis of operational and safety considerations. Safety arrangements include a public safety scheme, prepared after discussion with the local authorities and civil emergency services, which sets out detailed arrangements for the site in question.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those countries whose vessels are currently permitted to visit United Kingdom Z-berth sites and (b) what vessels are currently permitted to visit United Kingdom Z-berth sites; what visits he envisages in the future to Holy Loch; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonNuclear powered warships from the United States and French navies in addition to the Royal Navy may be permitted to visit United Kingdom Z-berths. No specific visits to the Holy Loch are planned following the withdrawal of the US facilities there, although occasional future visits by nuclear powered submarines are possible.