§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with existing precautions taken to ensure that there are no security risks or environmental hazards resulting from the transportation by road of plutonium nitrate to Wind-scale by the Atomic Energy Authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the carrying by the Atomic Energy Authority of plutonium nitrate between Dounreay and Wind-scale, including frequency and amounts conveyed, the method of carriage and safeguards observed to protect staff and public.
§ Mr. EadieWe are satisfied with the precautions currently taken over the transport of plutonium nitrate. Movements of this material, as of other radioactive substances, are made in accordance with safety regulations made under the Radioactive Substances Act 1948. It would not be in the public interest to give details of movements of this material, nor of the security precautions taken.
As with all movements of radioactive materials strict safety and security arrangements are, and will continue to be made; these arrangements are kept under continuing review. The AEA is considering, in consultation with Departments concerned, the best arrangements for transporting from Dounreay to Win-scale the larger quantities of plutonium which will arise in future with the operation of the PFR and its associated reprocessing plant.