§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on safety precautions taken in the transport of plutonium PuO2 between Dounreay and Windscale.
§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the security and safety precautions and arrangements associated with the transporting of plutonium from Dounreay to Windscale; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on proposals to transfer stocks of plutonium by road from Dounreay to Windscale at regular monthly intervals until further notice; whether he will issue a statement on the extent of the hazard from radiation arising from accidents; and whether he has given consideration to transportation of such dangerous materials by sea.
§ Mr. MulleyMovements of plutonium between Dounreay and Windscale consist at present almost entirely of fabricated reactor fuel elements being delivered for use in the prototype fast reactor at Dounreay. These and any other consignments of plutonium are required to be carried in packages specially designed to meet stringent international standards for resistance to impact followed by fire and suitable for all modes of transport. Consequently, even if a vehicle carrying such material were to be involved in a major accident, no hazard should result. The power to approve the design and movement of such packages by road is vested in the Secretary of State for the Environment.
The arrangements made, including the method of transport and security arrangements, are kept under review and the Government are satisfied with current practice.