§ 14. Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last met the chairman of Nirex; and what matters were discussed.
§ Mr. MoynihanMy right hon. Friend last met the chairman of Nirex on 22 October 1987. They discussed a number of matters relating to Nirex.
§ Mr. JonesIn view of the massive opposition to the quest by Nirex to identify potential sites for the disposal of low and intermediate-level nuclear waste, is not the consultation procedure now undertaken by Nirex doomed to failure? In view of the Government's stated aim of saving money, does the Minister not think that it would be far better to cancel that consultation procedure?
§ Mr. MoynihanNo, I do not. It is vital that Nirex should fully investigate the three options for a deep, dual-purpose disposal facility — deep burial on land, tunnelling under the sea from the shore and disposal into the sea bed from an offshore structure. It is vital that as many technical assessments as possible are made so that Nirex can give full and comprehensive answers to the Government as soon as possible.