§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what research is currently sponsored by his Department into the problems of the storage of non-disposable radioactive waste; what is the expenditure involved in annual terms; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what research is currently sponsored by his Department into the problems of the storage of non-disposable radioactive waste; what is the expenditure involved in annual terms; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. EadieExtensive research on the storage and disposal of radioactive waste is being done by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and also by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. which is responsible for the reprocessing of nuclear power station fuel. Total expenditure this year, excluding indirect supporting work, will be about £500,000, of which some £100,000 will be met from the nuclear energy Vote. The rate of expenditure is planned to increase significantly as the two organisations proceed with development programmes designed, among other things, to demonstrate the routine conversion of fission product wastes into a solid form convenient for long-term storage or ultimate disposal.