asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Health and Safety Executive or the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate or the Secretary of State for Health has refused to grant the Atomic Energy Establishment at Aldermaston permits for emissions under the fast-track procedure. [HL124]

Responsibility for granting radioactive discharge authorisations to AWE plc lies with the Environment Agency. The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Secretary of State for Health are currently considering whether to use their statutory powers in relation to the existing radioactive discharge authorisations. The reference to fast-track procedures in this context is not understood.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether plans have been made to re-nationalise the Atomic Energy Establishment at Aldermaston in the event that emission permits cannot be granted. [HL125]

Contingency plans are in place for implementation should it prove necessary, for whatever reason, to take AWE back into direct MoD management.