§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many exercises to test procedures for dealing with accidents involving nuclear weapons are to be held by his Department during 1999; when and where these exercises will be held; and what are the titles of these planned exercises; [46800]
(2) how many exercises to test procedures for dealing with accidents involving nuclear weapons are to be organised on British territory by the United States Government during 1999; when and where these exercises will be held; what are the titles of the planned exercises; and if his Department will participate in all exercises. [46801]
§ Dr. ReidThe following Grade A, B and C nuclear weapon accident exercises are planned to be held in the United Kingdom in 1999:
Nuclear weapon accident exercises—1999 Date Exercise Location June 1999 Exercise Dimming Sun1 Norfolk To be decided Exercise Bowling Coulport To be decided RAF weapon convoy Standardisation To be decided To be decided RAF Station NARO team Standardisation2 To be decided 1Exercise Dimming Sun will be a joint UK/US nuclear weapon accident response exercise, the planning for which is being led by my Department. The exercise will test the response to an accident as described in the Local Authority and Emergency Service Information on Nuclear Weapon Transport Contingency plans 2RAF Station NARO teams provide immediate response forces for the air transportation of nuclear weapons Note:
Details of minor exercises, organised at either UK or US unit level is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost