§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 11 June, if he will detail the regulatory provisions governing radiation exposure and outline the radioactive dosage to which the crew of the cargo aircraft are exposed.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe technical instructions of the International Civil Aviation Organisation prescribe minimum distances from the surface of containers to areas occupied by personnel. As I said in my reply given to the hon. Member on 11 June, this ensures that no crew member should receive a radiation dose greater than that permitted for members of the public.
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 11 June, Official Report, column 191, if he will outline in detail the tests required of the International Atomic Energy Agency to which the containers are subjected; what type of wood and steel is used in their construction; what is the segregated distance between the packages and the occupied areas; and what protection is given to those who have to load and unload the plutonium.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe design requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency applicable to these containers are set out in detail in the agency's regulations for the safe transport of radioactive materials, a copy of which is held in the House of Commons Library. They consist of combinations of impact, penetration, compression, immersion and thermal tests associated with acceptance criteria based on the maximum levels of activity which could be released, increases in external radiation emitted and prescribed margins of sub-criticality.
The containers are constructed externally from mild steel and hardwood with stainless steel inner components. Under the regulations of the IAEA there may be low, but measurable, levels of radiation.
The separation distances between the containers and occupied areas depend on these radiation levels external to the containers as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation's technical instructions, when carried by air. The protection of persons loading and unloading the containers is ensured by the requirements of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and questions on this matter would be for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 11 June, Official Report, column 191, if the plutonium is returned by ship from Dounreay to Sellafield; why the plutonium is not transported by ship from Sellafield to Dounreay; what other flights were involved and from which airports; what were the restrictions; if he will detail the loads; and why these airports were used.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI understand that in fact in some cases plutonium is returned to Sellafield from Dounreay by ship. However, I do not determine the mode of transport. The Department's certificates approving containers for the carriage of radioactive materials specify for what modes of transport they are valid. It is then for the consignor to decide which mode to use.
59WI understand that airports used by British Nuclear Fuels, other than Liverpool, have been Carlisle and until 1976 London Heathrow. Heathrow is also currently used, once or twice a year, for the transport of gram samples. British Nuclear Fuels tells me that these airports were used because of their convenience and suitability to the consignor. The shipments consisted of new fuel, plutonium oxides and plutonium residues for recovery. I also understand that the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority makes similar shipments using Bournemouth (Hurn) as well as those airports mentioned.
Consignments are subject to the normal restrictions of the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Technical Instructions for the carriage of radioactive materials by air. My compliance assurance officers verify that consignors have standing arrangements to ensure compliance with these regulations.