§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the causes and740W consequences of the plutonium contamination accident at atomic weapons establishment Aldermaston at the beginning of July. [38450]
§ Mr. SoamesDuring a routine analysis procedure on 4 July, a member of staff at AWE Aldermaston inhaled a microscopic quantity of radioactive material. The amount was a fraction of the safe limit. The relevant area of the site was closed immediately and the Health and Safety Executive, informed. There was at no time any danger to other employees or the public. The incident is the subject of an AWE investigation in which staff representatives and the HSE are involved. The latter has indicated that it is satisfied with the actions taken to date.