§ 8. Mr. Palmerasked the Paymaster-General what general directions he has given to the Central Electricity Generating Board in the National interest to minimise radioactive danger, under conditions of breakdown or maloperation, from the large nuclear power plants now under construction by the Board.
§ Sir I. HorobinNone, Sir. The reactors were designed in close consultation with the Health and Safety Branch of the Atomic Energy Authority and a formal code of practice is being drawn up to ensure safety in operation. The Government also intend that these reactors should be subject to licensing and inspection under the proposals I outlined on 10th February.
§ Mr. PalmerIs not this an instance where it is necessary for the Government to make a rather special intervention, in view of the great public concern on this issue?
§ Sir I. HorobinWe are, but we must have regard to the time factor. It may reassure the hon. Member—and, if necessary, the public—if I remind him that none of these stations will be charged with fuel for about two years, and the proposals that I outlined in the House will have been settled by the House long before then.
§ Mr. PalmerThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this kind of thing requires plenty of preparation and takes time.
§ Sir I. HorobinExactly. That is what is happening.