§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Energy for what period 168W it is anticipated that imported atomic waste will be stored in the United Kingdom before facilities for reprocessing are available.
§ Mr. EadieSo far as the proposed new overseas contracts are concerned the first deliveries of used fuel would be in 1979 or later. British Nuclear Fuel Ltd. informs me that the existing oxide processing facility, now being modified, is expected to be back in operation by then. The overseas fuel would, however, be handled mainly in a new plant which will not be built unless these contracts are secured and is not likely to be in service until 1987. Some of the fuel may therefore be stored for up to eight years. Storage will of course be subject to the strict requirements of the Nuclear Inspectorate.