HC Deb 31 January 1977 vol 925 cc19-20W
Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what are the special hazards and problems associated with the holding of stocks of coal, oil and gas or their derivatives;

(2) if he will place in the Official Report details of the special hazards and problems relating to processing of coal, oil and gas;

(3) by how much the proposed Drax B station would increase the potential risk to that area from SO2, chlorine, radium and uranium and heavy metals;

(4) in connection with waste from conventional power production, what is the best estimate that can be given now about the prospects of eliminating (a) the release of SO2 and other toxic pollutants into the atmosphere and (b) the distribution of radium, uranium and the heavy metal persistent poisons, from combustion of coal or gas or oil, by the use of technologies that now exist, designed to prevent a hazard to life or health throughout the period when this waste would be dangerous; and for how many years it would be dangerous.

(5) what assessment has been made of the safety hazards associated with the use of conventional fuels; and what is the likely time scale of overcoming those hazards;

(6) if he will commission a special inquiry into the public safety and environmental problems arising from the manufacture and holding of stocks of petroleum gas and chlorine;

(7) if he is satisfied that national safety interests are protected in the present development of Drax B;

(8) what are the precautions necessary for ensuring that liquid chlorine is transported in a safe and secure way without hazard to life or health.

Mr. Benn

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 26th January 1977. —[Vol. 924, c. 633–4.]

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