§ Mr. Frank CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the purpose is of AWE's Billi-G project; what its cost is; and if he will make a statement. [29955]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Billi-G programme is one element in a suite of experiments by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) using high-energy radiation to examine the behaviour of materials when subjected to explosive shock. It is important in predicting the performance of a nuclear warhead and hence in underwriting our nuclear deterrent in a nuclear test ban era.
The cost of the programme is included in the total AWE operating costs of £2.3 billion for the 10-year period beginning 1 April 2000. The specific costs of these experiments could be provided only at disproportionate cost.