HC Deb 17 June 1996 vol 279 cc360-1W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who has been responsible for compiling and updating the central record of accidents and suspected accidents involving(a) British-controlled nuclear weapons and (b) United States-controlled nuclear weapons within British territory since 1966. [32762]

Mr. Soames

Such information is held on a central database maintained by the staff of the nuclear weapon safety adviser.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the nuclear weapons safety committee was set up; how many people are on the committee; and how many of members are drawn from outside his Department. [32761]

Mr. Arbuthnot

The Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee was established in 1959. It comprises 12 Members, including the chairman. All are drawn from outside my Department but currently include four who have served previously in it. They are assisted by officials from my Department and other Government Departments who also attend meetings of the committee as and when necessary.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who is responsible for compiling reports on accidents and suspected accidents involving(a) British-controlled and (b) United States-controlled nuclear weapons on British territory; if the nuclear weapons safety committee receives the reports; and if reports are compiled on each accident and suspected accident. [32764]

Mr. Soames

There are established procedures for reporting any unplanned occurrence involving a nuclear weapon on British territory which has resulted in actual or potential hazard to life or property or which may have impaired nuclear safety. Responsibility for compiling an immediate report would rest with the unit which has custody of the weapon. The Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee would of course be advised of any such incidents.