HC Deb 24 April 1978 vol 948 cc444-5W
Mr. Hooky

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what plans are being drawn up for the continued surveillance of Magnox reactors after their useful life is completed;

(2) who will bear the cost of dismantling the Magnox reactors at the end of their useful life and of the disposal of radioactive waste; and if this has been calculated in the total cost of nuclear electricity;

(3) if the shell of Magnox reactors will be demolished, dismantled or removed at the end of the useful life of the reactor, or used for some other purpose;

(4) what research is in progress concerning the disposal of radioactive or contaminated components of Magnox reactors when their useful life is finished;

(5) if he will list the dates on which each of the Magnox reactors currently in service, will reach the end of its useful life; and what plans are being made to dismantle them.

Mr. Eadie

It is expected that the designed operating life of the Magnox stations will be exceeded, and the dates of the end of their useful lives are therefore uncertain.

The statutory responsibilities of the operators for the safety surveillance of Magnox reactors will continue after the end of their useful lives until the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate is satisfied that radioactivity has been reduced to a neglible level. As to plans for dismantling them, current studies suggest that this will probably begin with the removal of reactor fuel and other accessible components from the reactor core, leaving only the reactor vessel and its shielding together with the facilities needed for safety and maintenance and inspection. The length of time before these residual structures can be removed will depend on the rate of decay of the remaining radioactive products; it is expected that these structures would be disposed of ultimately as low-activity solid radioactive waste by burial at designated sites under arrangements in England approved by the Secretary of State for the Environment, in Wales by the Secretary of State for Wales, and in Scotland by the Secretary of State for Scotland. Research is also being conducted into an alternative route, the possibility of landscaping over the residual structures.

I am advised that provision for the cost of decommissioning is already being made in the cost of electricity.