§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what temperature the Polaris missile propellant is burned when it is disposed of; and what containment measures are taken to prevent leakage of unburnt propellant. [29872]
§ Mr. SoamesPolaris rocket motors contain solid propellant. Disposal is achieved by using explosive charges which cut open the casing and then ignite the propellant. No record is held of the temperatures reached on burning, but a debris check of the disposal site is carefully carried out to ensure that the motors and propellant have been totally destroyed.