HL Deb 16 March 1988 vol 494 cc1137-8

3.6 p.m.

Lord Rodney asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action has been taken to promote public discussion of safety in, and near, nuclear power stations in line with the undertaking given by the Secretary of State for Energy when he approved the development of Sizewell B power station.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, on 4th February the Health and Safety Executive published a document on the tolerability of risk from nuclear power stations as a contribution to public discussion on this subject. A copy of the document was placed in the Library of the House.

Lord Rodney

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. I hope that Her Majesty's Government will continue to reassure the public on the safety of nuclear power stations. Can the Minister tell me what progress is being made in getting the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate up to strength?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the Government are committed to ensuring that the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate has the necessary resources to perform its duties effectively. Following special pay awards and extensive recruitment campaigns, the NII has now met its target of 120 inspectors by 1st April 1988.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, is not the greatest single worry of the public above nuclear energy the problem of radioactive waste disposal? Can the Minister say whether the Government have made any progress on the recommendation of the Layfield Report with regard to radioactive waste management?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, yes. The composition of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee—or RWMAC—is kept under review by my right honourable friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, for Scotland and for Wales who have availability of environmental expertise to the committee well in mind. Several of the present members have a background in environmental science and the Government will continue to look for environmental expertise when making future appointments. I believe that meets with the inspectors' concerns underlying those recommendations.

Lord Dean of Beswick

My Lords, bearing in mind previous Questions in your Lordships' House, can the Minister give any indication as to the commencement date of the next nuclear power station?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, no. This document will have a very important effect and will be scrutinised when the public inquiry into Hinkley C takes place.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, is the noble Viscount aware that there was considerable disquiet in North Wales about the proposal to conduct certain tests at the Trawsfynydd nuclear power station? Is he further aware that those tests were abandoned at the last moment? Will he give the House and myself an assurance that there is no question that those tests will be reconsidered?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the test was postponed due to the strength of concern felt locally. When the CEGB wish to proceed with tests of this kind in the future, a full presentation to the local residents will be made so that concerns can be set at rest. No test can go ahead without the agreement of the NIL who only give such agreement if it is totally assured as to the safety of the test.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, is the noble Viscount aware that I and many others in North Wales will appreciate that the Government and the CEGB took account of the concern of the local population?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord.

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