§ Mr. Frank Cookasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how and where material containing uranium hexafluoride leaked from the Springfields nuclear fuel factory has been made safe;
(2) if he will make a statement of the circumstances surrounding the discharge on 23 April of uranium hexafluoride from the Springfields nuclear fuel factory into open waterway at Salwick hall farm, Lancashire.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNo uranium hexafluoride was discharged from the Springfields nuclear fuel factory on 23 April. A quantity of uranium-bearing wash, water was spilt which contaminated silt in a nearby stream. The stream bed was dredged as a precautionary measure and the contaminated material was removed to the Springfields site for disposal. Action has been taken to prevent a recurrence of the incident.