§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will describe the categories of radioactive material permitted to be transported in flasks by rail; what categories may not be carried; what are the maximum levels of radioactivity permitted in respect of the contents of each flask; and what inspection machinery exists to ensure that safety limits are not exceeded.
§ Mr. Eyre[pursuant to his reply, 26 May 1982, c. 329]: The answer should read:
The IAEA regulations specify design criteria which in practice limit the nature and quantity of contents in any particular flask and further require that inspection arrangements to ensure compliance are established by the consigning organisation and approved by my Department.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Transport what would be the maximum amount of radioactive contamination that could occur if a sealed flask of the kind carried by rail, and containing the maximum permitted amount of nuclear waste were ruptured; what would be the maximum area of contamination; and at what levels.
§ Mr. Eyre[pursuant to his reply, 26 May 1982, c. 329.]: The answer should read:
These would depend on a wide range of variable factors. It is precisely for this reason that we insist on the strict application of internationally-accepted safety standards that are sufficiently rigorous to protect the public even in the extremely unlikely event of a severe accident.