§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of(a) the replacement and (b) installation costs of an alternative pipework system to the zone one ductwork plant area A90.1 in the building complex A90 at Aldermaston, is attributable to an ambiguous specification; what percentage is attributable to bad workmanship in (i) manufacture or (ii) installation; and what steps he is taking to recover any costs from the contractor.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleDetails of the A90 ductwork problems were given in evidence by my Department to the Select Committee on Defence and published in the reports "The progress of the Trident Programme" 5th of Session 1988–89 and 9th of Session 1989–90 (HC374 and HC237). All necessary remedial work has been completed and a thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities has failed to produce any evidence to support action for recovery of any costs from the contractor.
§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether recent leaks of gases/solutions from prefabricated pipework in building A90/A91 at Aldermaston was due to the pipework(a) not complying with the contract specification, (b) not being capable of withstanding the waste material passing through and (c) not being inspected before installation; whether the safety inspectorate approved the installation; and what steps are being taken to ensure that faulty pipework does not create an unsafe workplace for the operators.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThere has been no leak of radioactive material from building A90 or A91; neither building is yet in use. During commissioning tests using simulated liquid waste corrosion has been discovered in pipework which is wholly contained within building A91. A detailed technical investigation is now in progress to discover the cause and extent of the problem. The installation will not be brought into use until we are assured of its safe operation.