§ 19. Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the expected timetable of the phasing out of the older Magnox power stations; and when he expects their decommissioning.
§ Mr. GoodladI am advised by the operators that the Magnox power stations continue to meet stringent safety standards. No firm plans for the closure or decommissioning of any stations have yet been made.
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§ 38. Mr. Ormeasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether any safety reviews of Magnox power stations have been completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerHer Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate makes it a condition of nuclear site licences that all reactors must be shut clown every two years for maintenance and inspection. A reactor is not permitted to start up again until the NII is satisfied that it is safe for it to do so. in addition, the inspectorate requires licensees to carry out a general safety review of Magnox power station following 20 years of operation to enable longer term safety issues to be addressed.
The NII completed work in March 1983 on its assessment of BNFL's long term safety reviews for Calder Hall and Chapel Cross with the exception of a few issues which require further assessment and discussion.