HC Deb 31 March 1995 vol 257 cc876-7W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration his Department has given to ending the use of airflights for the transportation of radioactive nuclear material over Britain. [16787]

Mr. Soames

Arrangements for the transportation of defence nuclear materials are kept under review, but in some circumstances RAF aircraft will continue to be the most appropriate means of transportation.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what precautions his Department adopts to minimise the risk of an air disaster involving air flights carrying radioactive nuclear material over Britain. [16789]

Mr. Soames

There are stringent regulations and procedures governing all aspects of the movement of defence nuclear material by air.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policies his Ministry adopts to minimise the flight of radioactive nuclear waste over urban areas. [16788]

Mr. Soames

As matter of long-standing policy, the transportation of all defence nuclear material is kept to a minimum consistent with conduct of business. Route selection criteria for flights include the avoidance of population centres wherever possible.