§ 13. Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been achieved in implementing the White Paper on environmental policy "This Common Inheritance"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe Government reported on the progress of their environment initiative on 25 September with the publication of "This Common Inheritance: the First Year Report", Cm. 1655. In addition, my right hon. Friend published on that day a report, "The Environment in Wales", on progress in the Principality.
§ Dr. ThomasDoes the Minister believe that progress on environmental policy has been made when his Department and the Department of Energy decide to give the go-ahead to an incinerator project which will produce low-level radioactive waste, adding to the already radioactive environment of Trawsfynnydd, without ensuring adequate environmental assessment of that project? The inspector appointed by the Minister's Department to make a recommendation on the project decided that he could not do so because not enough information was available to him.
§ Mr. BennettAll nuclear installations are inspected regularly by the nuclear installations inspectorate and other responsible agencies and our emergency plans are kept under continual review to ensure that they are responsive to changing circumstances. Before the power station can reopen, Nuclear Electric will have to satisfy the safety requirements. That should be a reassurance to the hon. Gentleman and his constituents.