HL Deb 12 July 2004 vol 663 cc124-5WA
Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether the proposed replacement laser facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, will be capable of testing and certifying a new generation of nuclear warhead; and, if so, whether this complies with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Lord Bach:

The purpose of the proposed ORION facility is to contribute towards ensuring that the United Kingdom nuclear warhead capability remains safe and reliable. The use of such technology with respect to nuclear warheads and nuclear material does not contravene the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will call in the planning application to build a replacement laser facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston. [HL3555]

Lord Bach:

There is no need to do so. The Ministry of Defence uses the procedure under Department of the Environment Circular 18/84 Part 4 paragraph 21, whereby the Secretary of State for Defence reviews objections made during the planning process and considers whether it is appropriate to refer these to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This procedure has been followed in the case of the proposed laser facility. The Secretary of State for Defence believes that objections on planning policy issues have been taken into account.