HL Deb 14 December 1988 vol 502 cc939-40

2.54 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the present arrangements for disposal of low level radioactive waste from medical equipment in hospitals and research departments of universities.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)

My Lords, radioactive waste may only be disposed of from hospitals and universities in the United Kingdom subject to authorisations issued under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 by the relevant regulatory authorities. Authorisations set strict conditions and activity limits for each type of waste. All such premises are subject to inspection to ensure compliance with the terms of their authorisations.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Where difficulties arise over ultimate disposal, and as this waste is so obviously a product of beneficial activities approved by virtually everyone, will the Government encourage carefully considered approaches to local authorities, voluntary organisations and the general public to convince them of the need to co-operate in the safe and thorough disposal of radioactive materials?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the technology for the most part exists and it is a question of making sure that everyone is convinced that it is being used to the best advantage. As my noble friend so rightly said, there are enormous benefits as a result of the work carried out in hospitals and universities which lead to some low level radioactive waste.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, is the Minister aware that on occasions Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution gives authorisations without any consultation with local environmental health officers? Does not the noble Earl agree that there should be a statutory requirement for local consultation to take place before authorisation is given?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, as regards England, which is the area for which Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution is responsible, I note the concerns of the noble Baroness and will look into the matter.

Lord Hatch of Lusby

My Lords, will the noble Earl tell the House whether, within the ambit of this Question concerning waste, he also includes the actual instruments used, which are frequently highly toxic and, therefore, also present a danger of radioactivity? Are they disposed of in addition to the waste? If not, will the noble Earl ensure that they are?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the noble Lord raises an important point, but I am sure that he is fully aware that those instruments which produce the waste are in most cases returned to the manufacturer for recovery and/or recycling. A strict account of all such sources are kept by the users and the regulatory authorities.

Lord Hatch of Lusby

My Lords, that is not a satisfactory reply. The noble Earl said that "most" are returned. What happens to the others?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, those that do not need to go back to industry or to the manufacturers can be disposed of in a way subject to the authorisations.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that he may encounter the syndrome known as "not in my back yard"? That certainly does not apply in my case, and there are others who are familiar enough with the subject and the processes not to be afraid or apprehensive.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that question. We are referring to low level radioactive waste and that is strictly defined and carefully catered for. I am sure that some of your Lordships wear luminous watches and have no hesitation in putting those in the dustbin when they go wrong.