HC Deb 09 March 1987 vol 112 cc8-9
8. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many fatal accidents there have been in the civil nuclear power industry in the United Kingdom in the last 10 years; and what was the number of fatalities.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alastair Goodlad)

There were 10 accidents, each involving one death, in the 10 years to February 1987. None involved radiation.

Mr. Chapman

Although one fatality is one too many will my hon. Friend confirm that the figures that he has given the House compare favourably with accidents in other major energy-conversion industries? For example, will he confirm that in the coalmining industry the figure is over 300, and does he agree that safety is an important factor in assessing how we meet our energy demands in the future?

Mr. Goodlad

I note what my hon. Friend says. He is correct that there were, sadly, 388 fatal accidents in the coal industry in the 10 years to 1985. The Government and the nuclear industry are fully conscious of the importance of both site and environmental safety, and the industry's record in that respect is excellent.

Mr. Donald Stewart

Is the Minister aware that the figures—I do not challenge their accuracy in any way—are totally misleading? A fatality in the mining industry is a tragedy for the individual concerned and his family, but it is totally unlike incidents in the nuclear power industry which have implications for the local community and society at large? There is no relevant comparison between figures.

Mr. Goodlad

The important point is that the industry is conscious of its safety responsibilities.

Mr. Yeo

Will my hon. Friend assure the House that he will keep in mind the importance of maintaining the excellent safety record when he arrives at his decision on the possibility of constructing Sizewell B? Will he assure the House that approval for Sizewell B will be given only if his Department is satisfied that there is every prospect of maintaining the safety record?

Mr. Goodlad

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Will the Minister confirm that all information relating to the Windscale fire in 1957 has now been published and will he accept that one of the problems for the supporters of nuclear power, such as myself, is that the industry is clouded in a cloak of secrecy? If we could remove that secrecy I believe a majority of the British people would wholeheartedly support its development.

Mr. Goodlad

I believe that the hon. Gentleman is correct to say that full publication has been made of the details relating to the Windscale fire. I agree that openness on the part of the industry is extremely important and I believe that the industry is very open with information. All incidents at nuclear installations, however minor, must be reported by law to the nuclear installations inspectorate. Any incident that might give rise to a significant radiological hazard, either to the public or to a member of staff, is also promptly notified to Ministers. The details of all significant incidents are published regularly by the Health and Safety Executive.