HC Deb 29 June 1995 vol 262 c750W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy concerning the transportation of nuclear warheads through the Irish sea. [29940]

Mr. Soames

Nuclear weapons can be transported by sea, but as a matter of long-standing policy we do not comment on the routes used.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has held with representatives of local authorities along the Welsh coast concerning the use of the Irish sea for the transportation of nuclear warheads. [29938]

Mr. Soames

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has had no such discussions.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans exist for dealing with an accident involving nuclear warheads transported through the Irish sea. [29939]

Mr. Soames

The Ministry of Defence has contingency plans to deal with a wide range of possible accidents involving the transportation of nuclear warheads, including an accident at sea.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Trident nuclear warheads were transported by sea from Portsmouth to Coulport between 4 and 7 June. [31108]

Mr. Soames

As a matter of long-standing policy, we do not comment on the presence of nuclear warheads at any particular place or time.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy for the transportation of Trident nuclear warheads carried by sea from Portsmouth to Coulport; and if he will make a statement. [31109]

Mr. Soames

Nuclear weapons can be transported by sea, but as a matter of long-standing policy we do not comment on the routes used.