To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action the Health and Safety Executive is taking to examine the safety of AWE Aldermaston; and if he will make a statement.
On 13 May 1993 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced its intention to carry out a comprehensive review of health and safety management systems and standards of risk control at all atomic weapons establishment (AWE) premises, including Aldermaston.The review team will include HSE specialist radiation, factory, explosives, and nuclear installations inspectors, employment medical advisers and experts in health and safety management systems.A report will be published and HSE will be as open about the findings of the review as national security considerations will allow. HSE does not expect to complete the review until the spring of 1994 at the earliest. AWE and the Ministry of Defence have indicated their full support and their wish to co-operate with the review.