HC Deb 28 February 1980 vol 979 cc735-7W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is his estimate of the total accumulation of radioactive waste in each year since the military and civil nuclear power programme was initiated, giving separate estimates for (a) high level of liquid waste, (b) high level of solid waste, (c) medium active liquid waste, concentrates, sludges and resins, (d) low active plutonium contaminated waste, (e) volatile and gaseous waste and (f) waste from decommissioning reactors and other plant;

(2) what is the total amount spent on the evaluation of the longer term hazard of radioactive waste disposal in geological formations in the United Kingdom; and how much of this expenditure relates to the evaluation of waste hazard analysis, long term stability of conditioned waste, interaction of actinides with the environment and the monitoring of actinides;

years; and what are the projected allocations for 1980–81.

Mr. Stanley

For 1975–76, allocations to local authorities in England were made only for improvements to council housing. In 1976–77, additional allocations were made for lending for house purchase. For 1977–78 and following years, allocations were extended to comprise all housing capital investment by local authorities. Allocations for 1980–81 were announced on 21 February. The figures available are therefore as follows:

(3) what has been the total expenditure in the European Community by Euratom on the direct action research programme of radioactive waste management and storage in each year since the programme was intiated.

Mr. Fox

I will reply to the hon. Member shortly.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish his Department's estimate of the predicted accumulation of radioactive wastes by category up to the year 2000.

Mr. Fox

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Under-Secretary of State for Energy, to the hon. Member for Ayrshire, South (Mr. Foulkes) on 17 January.—[Vol. 976. c. 830.]

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total United Kingdom expenditure on research into radioactive waste management in each year since 1970 by funding organisations and by contractor.

Mr. Fox

I will reply to the hon. Member shortly.