HC Deb 20 July 1998 vol 316 c429W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer on 25 June 1998,Official Report, column 569, if he will list the names of the 11 directorates which currently exist at AWE, Aldermaston. [51134]

Mr. Spellar

The 11 Directorates currently existing at AWE Aldermaston are:

  • Assurance
  • Commercial
  • Communications
  • Finance
  • Performance Management
  • Personal
  • Physics Research
  • Programmes
  • Sites Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Technology.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what volume of sludge containing(a) plutonium and (b) uranium is presently held at AWE Aldermaston; how this is presently stored; what plans he has to (a) reduce the volume held and (b) improve storage safety of the material; and if he will make a statement. [51156]

Mr. Spellar

There are at present some 761 cubic metres of sludge stored at AWE Aldermaston. This material contains both plutonium and uranium. It is safely stored in tanks above ground within bunded areas. These tanks are regularly inspected and maintained.

A feasibility study is underway, with the aim of reducing the volume of this material.