§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions have been held with NIREX on the alternative methods to shallow trench disposal of radioactive waste.
§ Mr. WaldegraveDuring the study of best practicable environmental options for the management of low and intermediate level radioactive wastes, the report of which was published in March this year, the Government and NIREX discussed alternative methods to near-surface disposal for low level wastes. The study concluded inter alia that near-surface disposal was the best practicable environmental option for most low level wastes. It therefore remains the Government's policy that new near-surface facilities for such wastes should be developed as soon as possible. Other methods of radioactive waste management, which were considered in the study, are discussed with NIREX as necessary.