§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the principal concerns expressed by AWE staff in relation to the potential takeover of sensitive work responsibilities by an American company. [116242]
§ Mr. SpellarAWE ML is not an American company but does include Lockheed Martin among the three equal partners making up the consortium. The consortium operating AWE up to 1 April was also made up of three partners, one of which is owned by an American parent company.
When my noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement visited Aldermaston recently members of staff asked her a number of questions only one of which expressed concern over Lockheed Martin's involvement with the establishment. That question related to Lockheed Martin's ability to meet UK safety standards.
In a message delivered on 4 April 2000 to their members who worked at AWE the AEEU, GMB, IPMS, MSF, TGWU and UCATT trade unions described the decision to proceed with the new contract as "controversial but correct".