HC Deb 06 November 1958 vol 594 cc1106-7
45. Mr. Mason

asked the Prime Minister what consideration has been given to the problem of safely disposing of the Windscale atomic reactors; and to what extent Her Majesty's Government have considered policy for the future dismantling of atomic power stations in the event of similar accidents or as their useful life terminates.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

The Atomic Energy Authority has decided to seal the concrete vaults surrounding the cores in the Wind-scale reactors. Damage to some of the fuel elements in Pile No. 1 prevents their removal, but the remainder will be removed and used again, as will all the fuel elements from Pile No. 2. The sealed vaults will ensure against any exterior hazard.

The reactor buildings will be used by the Authority for other purposes for which they are suitable.

It does not seem necessary to make any further plans at present.

Mr. Mason

Can the Prime Minister say whether, now that the nuclear furnaces are to be derelict and abandoned, any estimate has been made of how long they must stand before they can be safely dismantled and disposed of? Secondly, has the Atomic Energy Authority given any consideration to designing nuclear power stations with the nuclear furnaces sited underground?

The Prime Minister

These are rather technical matters. I should prefer not to commit myself, in an answer to a supplementary question, on these points, but if the hon. Member will put a Question on the Order Paper or would like me to write to him about it, I will do my best to find out the precise technical reply.

Mr. Gaitskell

I think that we must all accept that accidents of this kind are liable to happen in pioneer work in connection with atomic energy. Can the Prime Minister give us any idea of what the loss has been as a result of closing down these reactors?

The Prime Minister

The right hon. Gentleman will remember that a very full inquiry was made and that the result of all that has been published. If he will put on the Order Paper a Question about the figure of cost, I will, of course, reply to it.