HC Deb 26 January 1987 vol 109 cc43-4W
48. Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive a report on the review of costs of radioactive waste disposal currently being undertaken by UK Nirex Limited.

Mr. Waldegrave

UK Nirex Limited keeps estimates of disposal costs under constant review. A full review will be made following receipt of work on repository designs being undertaken by consultants, which Nirex expect to receive in April. Revised cost figures will be given to the Department and published as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce a compensation scheme for those householders in the South Killingholme area who cannot now sell their houses at normal valuation prices in cases where the decline in value can now be directly attributed to the presence of contractor test drilling for the suitability of a nuclear waste dump and where surveyors' reports on such properties indicate that the test drilling has contributed to a fall in market value; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

Compensation policy, both in the areas of the four potential disposal sites and at any site which might eventually be selected, is primarily a matter for UK Nirex Limited. The company has already announced measures which are intended to maintain the level of house prices locally. Nirex is also considering the possibility of further measures, which it is discussing with my right hon. Friend.