§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Energy what studies have been undertaken since 1979 and what studies are now being carried out into the use of lead containers for nuclear waste.
§ Mrs. RumboldI have been asked to reply.
Lead is not regarded as the most suitable containment material for nuclear waste. No studies have been carried out by my Department or by NIREX on lead containers. Mild steel and stainless steel containers are currently being studied.