Armed Forces Minister, Mr John Speller has hinted that the Government could suspend the new management contract due to begin at AWE Aldermaston in April if a report into BNFL gives cause for concern.

The controversial contract is due to begin on April 1, allowing a consortium which includes BNFL and Lockheed Martin to take over the mnagement of AWE. Mr Spellar spoke about the future of the contract at an adjournment debate yesterday, in response to a plea by Newbury MP Mr David Rendel. After the debate, Mr Redndel said "The minister clearly istened to my concerns about the safety records of both BNFL and Lockheed Martin, two of the companies in the new consortium.

"In response, he admitted that he was considering the alternatives, including keeping on the current contractors, Hunting BRAE Ltd., or even putting the site under the direct control of the Ministry of Defence".

The MoD yesterday played down the comments but spokesman Mt Andrew Willis confirmed that Mr Spellar would be looking at the results of the DTI inquiry into BNFL. "What he is saying is that he would take into account the report," he said. He added that the MoD could if necessary, extend the existing contract arrangements with Hunting BRAE or put in direct MoD arrangements.

The inquiry report is not due until April but Mr Willis said the new consortium would still take over AWE on April 1, if the Nuclear Insatallations Inspectorate was fully satisfied it would offer the highest safety standards.

NB The Environment Agency are due to report to the Environment Minister on AWE's discharge application at the end of next week. They are expected to recommend authorisation of limited discharges but also expect to be legally challenged on their authority to determine an applicaton and authorise discharges at AWE. The current authorisation ends on 31 March and if there is no discharge authorisation given by 1 April AWE may have to close except for essential safety systems & monitoring.