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AWE Aldermaston

Volume 502: debated on Wednesday 9 December 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on preparations for Project Pegasus at AWE Aldermaston. (304681)

Work to prepare the site commenced in 2007, and includes site investigation, the removal of redundant services, preparatory ground works and services diversion works. This work is allowable prior to planning consent being received, and is currently planned to complete by the end of 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the length of the construction period for the new enriched uranium facility at AWE Aldermaston as proposed in the planning application made to West Berkshire council; what plans he has for the usage of the uranium processed there; and if he will make a statement. (305195)

The replacement enriched uranium handling facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment is due on current plans to become operational in 2018. The materiel outputs of the facility are for use in the Defence nuclear programme. I am not prepared to disclose further details of usage as this would, or would be likely to, prejudice national security and defence in the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 11 November 2009, Official Report, column 403W, on Atomic Weapons Establishment: radioactive waste, who owns the radioactive waste at the site; and whether the costs of storing radioactive waste at Atomic Weapons Establishment sites are covered in the contract arrangements between AWE plc and his Department. (305227)

The Ministry of Defence owns the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) sites and all radioactive waste stored on those sites. The cost of storing radioactive waste at AWE is covered in the management and operation contract between AWE Management Ltd and the Department.