To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the flood risk to the (a) High Security Area, (b) Nuclear Licensed Site Area and (c) remainder of the site at AWE Burghfield; what flooding has occurred at the site since July 2007; what representations he has received from the Environment Agency since that time; and if he will make a statement. (181048)

The risk of flooding is addressed in the nuclear licence safety case for the AWE Burghfield site, which does not differentiate between areas. The safety case assessment concludes that such an event would not compromise safety at the site although there would likely be an impact on business continuity. A programme of review is therefore under way to determine what, if any, improvements might be introduced.

No flooding has occurred at AWE Burghfield since July 2007. The Environment Agency has made no representations to the MOD on these matters. The nuclear site licensee, AWE plc, continues to advise the regulators of its plans through regular routine engagement.