§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the arrangements for the movement of nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom following the RAF's relinquishing of its nuclear capability. [91863]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonOn 1 April 1999 the Chief of Defence Logistics (CDL) 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. An Implementation Team has been established 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 and the MOD will continue to maintain the highest levels of safety and security during convoy operations.