§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers he has to direct the depositing of low-level radioactive waste without consulting local authorities; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawUnder the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 there are statutory requirements for consultation before an authorisation is given:
In other cases my Department consults relevant local and public authorities, if it seems justifiable, before issuing an authorisation; but there is no statutory requirement to do so.
- (i) for disposal of radioactive waste which will require special precautions to be taken by a local or public authority;
- (ii) for disposal of radioactive waste on or from the premises of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, or from sites licensed under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (as amended).
§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further considerations he has given to the depositing of low-level radioactive waste inland following the decision of the European Assembly against dumping nuclear waste at sea.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe resolution referred to was debated and passed by the European Parliament at short notice, with only a small proportion of MEPs taking part; and it is therefore doubtful what significance should be attached to it. Policy on the disposal of radioactive wastes on land was set out in the White Paper on "Radioactive Waste Management" (Cmnd 8607), and its implementation is not affected.