§ Mr. Frank Cook (Stockton, North)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 10, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the need to reassure the people of Stockton, North, who are in turmoil over the proposal to dispose of intermediate-level nuclear waste in the disused anhydrite mines at Billingham.I consider the matter to be specific because this is the first definitive proposal to dispose of intermediate-level radioactive waste in a permanent manner at a specific site.The matter is important because Billingham is densely populated and has a high concentration of industry which produces a wide range of volatile commodities. Many of the commodities are stored cheek by jowl in subterranean cavities in close proximity to the proposed site. The area has a high community commitment of long standing. The inside of the mine is a corrosive environment.
The matter is urgent because, after nine months of speculation, which has caused acute anxiety and concern, the population have been roused to the point of turmoil by the cavalier manner in which Nirex has repeatedly changed its statements and the covert way in which it has conducted its affairs.
In the genuine pursuit of my constituents' peace of mind and of good public order and discipline I urge the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 10, in order to allay the understandable fears of the people of Stockton, North specifically, and of Cleveland in general.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Stockton, North (Mr. Cook) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
the need to reassure the people of Stockton, North, who are in turmoil over the proposal to dispose of intermediate-level nuclear waste in the disused anhydrite mines at Billingham.I listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said, but I regret that I do not consider that the matter he has raised is appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10 and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.