§ Baroness Rendell of Baberghasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to review the arrangements for the movement of nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom now that the RAF has relinquished its nuclear capability. [HL3718]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)On 1 April 1999 the Chief of Defence Logistics assumed overall responsibility for the movement of nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom. The responsibility for the day-to-day movement of nuclear weapons is being moved, in phases, from RAF personnel to the Ministry of Defence Police, with support from AWE civilians and the Royal Marines. We have established an implementation team to manage the transfer, which will be completed by 31 March 2002. The process will occur gradually in recognition of the importance and complexity of the task. The MoD will continue to maintain the highest levels of safety and security during the convoy operations.