HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 c535W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of providing an interim capability to transport used nuclear submarine reactor cores.

Mr. Aitken

The estimated cost of providing an interim capability using the two commercial containers will be in the order of £5 million.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of replacing the used core transport packages.

Mr. Aitken

The cost of replacing the used core transport packages with the new purpose-built containers is not yet finalised. We would not wish to prejudice contract negotiations currently taking place with industry by providing an estimated figure.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of obtaining a licence for the replacement for the used core transport package; and from which subheads of which votes these funds are taken.

Mr. Aitken

Until contract negotiations are complete, we are not in a position to speculate as to the likley cost of licensing the new purpose-built containers. Provision for funding of this work is currently contained in vote 03, sub-heading F.