§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the atomic weapons research establishment at Aldermaston became aware that rabbits had been affected by plutonium stored in the open; when the establishment made this fact publicly known; what was the reason for the interval between these dates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett) on 25 June,Official Report, column 298. In addition I emphasise that plutonium is not stored in the open at AWE Aldermaston.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the atomic weapons research establishment at Aldermaston(a) commenced and (b) ceased storing plutonium radioactive waste in the open.
§ Mr. AitkenFrom 1953 to October 1984 plutonium contaminated waste awaiting disposal was held in sealed steel drums, some of which were stored in the open for limited periods. Since October 1984 all such solid waste awaiting disposal has been held in sealed steel drums and other closed steel containers located safely and securely in purpose-built stores.
Prior to 1983 all plutonium contaminated liquid waste was solidified for disposal as solid waste. Since 1983 all such liquid waste has been held in closed steel tanks located in bitumen lined pits.