To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has for the future ownership and management of the atomic weapons establishment, Llanishen, Cardiff; and if he will state the timing proposed for changes and the policy considerations underlying his decision.

Following the passage of the Atomic Weapons Establishment Act through Parliament last year the Government intend to transfer the atomic weapons establishment, which includes the Cardiff site, to full contractor operation on 1 April 1993. The establishment will remain in government ownership. Contractorisation will enable the establishment to gain additional project and production management expertise as well as giving access to the corporate support of a major industrial company or consortium.