§ Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Power what financial protection is afforded by his Department to third parties and employees, respectively, on account of damage and injuries resulting from nuclear accidents in power stations; how much compensation has been paid to date; and how many claims are being considered.
§ Mr. GeorgeThe construction and operation of nuclear power stations by the Central Electricity Generating Board are subject to licence under the Nuclear Installations (Licensing and Insurance) Act, 1959. The Act imposes on the Board an absolute liability for damage or injury caused by ionising radiations and requires sufficient funds to be made available to meet established claims up to an aggregate amount of £5 million in respect of each station. Under arrangements approved by me, with the consent of the Treasury, the Board is taking out insurance policies to cover this liability at each station from the time when fuel is loaded into a reactor. These policies cover damage or injury to any person, whether he is an employee or not, and whether he or the property damaged is on the 3W licensed site or elsewhere. No compensation has been paid to date, and no claims are at present under consideration.