Celtic League: Nuclear Submarine Disposal

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The Ministry of Defence have responded to concerns from the Celtic League about the proposed site for the dismantling and disposal of nuclear submarines (see below): "Dear Mr Tal-e-bot, Thank you for

Cathal Ó Luain Par Celtic League le 15/06/09 23:30

The Ministry of Defence have responded to concerns from the Celtic League about the proposed site for the dismantling and disposal of nuclear submarines (see below):

"Dear Mr Tal-e-bot,

Thank you for your letter of 22 April 2009 to the Secretary of State for Defence, in which you express your concerns about the disposal of nuclear submarines at Her Majesty's Naval Base Devonport. Your letter has been passed to the Defence Equipment & Support area of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for reply, as the Submarine Dismantling Project (which was formerly known as the ISOLUS project) resides within this area.

I should first like to assure you that no decisions have yet been made about the locations for dismantling ex-Royal Navy submarines and for storing the resultant intermediate-level radioactive waste. It remains our intention to carry out further public consultation to inform the decision-making process; this was re-stated most recently by the Minister for the Armed Forces when he made an announcement on the Maritime Change Programme in the House of Commons on 6 May 2009, saying:

We remain committed to complying with legislation and Government policy and will be conducting further research, assessments and consultation before any final recommendations are made. We are on track to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment later this year, including a period of public consultation.

This public consultation will include both national and local elements, to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to express their views.

Whatever the outcome of this process, Devonport will continue to play a vital role in support of the Royal Navy. Although the Maritime Change Programme announced the intention to change the base ports of some of our submarines, Devonport will retain its role as the UK's centre of excellence for submarine deep maintenance.

Regarding your concerns about the welfare of the residents of Plymouth, the MOD takes its responsibilities as a nuclear operator extremely seriously and complies fully with environmental and safety regulations. There are comprehensive systems in place to ensure that all work is carried out safely; this is subject to external regulation by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency, as well as the MOD's own Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator.

I hope this addresses your concerns . Yours sincerely,"

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