HC Deb 01 May 1991 vol 190 cc262-4W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any new safety features on British nuclear weapons have been introduced in the last 30 years;

(2) whether any changes have taken place to procedures for the handling of nuclear weapons that have enhanced safety in the last 30 years.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dumbarton (Mr. McFall) on 25 March,Official Report, column 302. Nuclear weapon safety is under continuous review, but the hon. Member will appreciate why I cannot reveal details of changes in design or procedures that may have arisen through this process.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will obtain a copy of the report of the panel on nuclear weapons safety commissioned by the United States Energy Secretary for the Ministry of Defence library.

Mr. Alan Clark

Yes.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications have taken place with the United States Government regarding nuclear weapons safety.

Mr. Alan Clark

We have regular and frequent communications with the United States Government in this area.