§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what control exists in Scotland over waste disposal and radioactive effluent;
(2) what control there is over waste disposal and radioactive effluent in Scotland.
§ Mr. MillanIn Scotland, disposal of radioactive waste, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form must be authorised by the Secretary of State under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960. Typically, authorisations limit the quantity of activity to be disposed of, specify the method of disposal to be used, and list any further conditions and limitations which are required.
Authorisations are framed to ensure that the radiation dose to the public, if any, is always far below the limits set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
Waste requiring special treatment is authorised to be sent to the National Disposal Service, which is operated on my behalf by British Nuclear Fuels Limited and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.
The industrial polution inspectors visit authorised premises periodically to ensure compliance with the conditions of the authorisation. Premises where fairly large disposals of waste are authorised, such as nuclear sites, may be required by the authorisation to conduct an environmental monitoring programme to check on the 788W effect of discharges. The Inspectorate arranges for independent check samples and analysis of discharges and environmental materials.