HC Deb 06 November 1992 vol 213 cc529-30W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current status of the A91 building at AWE Aldermaston; and on what date it is expected that this building will become operational.

Mr. Aitken

A project definition study into the scope of the work needed to overcome the corrosion problem is under way, and is due to report by the end of March 1993. This study will confirm the date on which the building will become fully operational.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the present status of the programme to appoint a contractor to operate the atomic weapons establishments.

Mr. Aitken

Three tenders were received on 1 September 1992 and are being evaluated. We expect to announce the successful tenderer in early 1993.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the distinction made by his Department between the separate buildings of the A90 complex at AWE Aldermaston; when each of these will be fully operational; what buildings and facilities at AWE Aldermaston will be superseded by the A90 complex; and which of these buildings and facilities will be demolished.

Mr. Aitken

A90 is the designation of the new plutonium processing building at AWE Aldermaston and its immediate support facilities. The plutonium processing laboratories in A90 and their support systems are currently going through a comprehensive commissioning process prior to becoming operational. A90 will replace Aldermaston's existing plutonium processing facilities, which will them be progressively decommissioned and, if necessary, demolished.