§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made towards removing the radioactive material form the nuclear submarines currently docked at the Rosyth naval base; and if he will make a statement. [858]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotOf the seven decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines stored afloat at Rosyth, four have completed their defuel, de-equip and lay-up preparation—DDLP—process, one is nearing completion, and two have yet to commence. The DDLP process includes the removal of the spent fuel.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to store decommissioned nuclear submarines in the Holy loch on the Clyde; and if he will make a statement. [859]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotWe have no plans to store decommissioned nuclear submarines in the Holy loch.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for the out of service nuclear submarines currently docked at the Rosyth naval base; and if he will make a statement; [860]
(2) what assessment he has made of the sites in the United Kingdom which are appropriate for the storage of decommissioned nuclear submarines; and if he will make a statement. [857]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe Government consider that it is appropriate for decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines to be stored safely afloat at the location where they are decommissioned, pending disposal. Decommissioned nuclear submarines are currently stored at Rosyth and Devonport.