§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what further steps he intends to take to ensure that nuclear fuel reprocessing capacity and technology has and will continue to keep pace with nuclear power development on a national and on a community basis; and what further steps should be taken.
§ Mr. BennThe development plan of British Nuclear Fuels Limited, which is at present being considered by the Government, contains proposals for the provision of further reprocessing capacity to meet the requirements of the home programme together with business from overseas countries, subject in the latter case to Government decisions on whether further overseas business should be taken. Arrangements for the co-ordination of activities and the exchange of technology exist through the Anglo/French/German reprocessing organisation, United Reprocessors G.m.b.H. These provide a good 213W foundation for the provision of reprocessing capacity on a basis adequate and appropriate to future needs.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the capacity of the United Kingdom for dealing with the reprocessing of nuclear fuels on an international basis, having regard to the need to make adequate provision for the safe custody of radioactive waste.
§ Mr. BennI am informed by British Nuclear Fuels Limited that enlargement of existing reprocessing capacity at Windscale will be necessary to enable uranium oxide type fuels from the second generation United Kingdom nuclear power stations, as well as any additional fuel of the type used in most overseas reactors, to be dealt with. These plans, which I am currently considering, include the necessary provision for the safe storage of the resulting radioactive waste. If further foreign business is undertaken it is proposed that it should be on the basis that there will be an option to return waste to the country of origin.