To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are in place for the removal and transport of hazardous materials from Fort Halstead in Kent; what such materials have been removed from the site in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. (175557)

The Fort Halstead site is owned by QinetiQ but leased to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), who have a 90-year lease. The transportation of hazardous material from the site is managed by the Dstl Facilities Management Provider, Serco.

Over the last five years the hazardous materials transported have included sealed radioactive materials, explosives and a variety of toxic or harmful chemicals. All of these materials have been transported following detailed risk assessments and in accordance with UK legislation, e.g. the use of controlled waste administrators and pre-qualified licensed carriers, and have been moved only to approved/licensed sites. In addition to this, as a duty of care, both Dstl and Serco have conducted sample audits of the process.