11 Jan 2005 : Column 373W
Written Answers to Questions
DEFENCE
Atomic Weapons Establishment
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the balance sheet value of the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the books of his Department was as at 31 March; what the carrying charge and applicable depreciation for that establishment is in the current year; and for what reasons his Department is investing a further £467 million in that establishment. [206603]
Mr. Ingram: As at 31 March 2004, the Gross Book Value of the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Balance Sheet was £552.8 million and the associated carrying depreciation was £55.3 million resulting in a Net Book Value of £497.5 million. The projected depreciation to 31 March 2005, for AWE, is £28.0 million. Investment at AWE is directed towards the maintenance of the effectiveness of the nuclear deterrent and enables AWE to meet safety, environmental and operational requirements. It is also in accordance with the Government's policy of keeping options for maintaining a nuclear deterrent capability, in line with the policy set out at paragraph 3.11 of the 2003 Defence White Paper (Cm 6041-1)