Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what safeguards apply to(a) plutonium contaminated wastes and (b) enriched uranium contaminated wastes containing fissile nuclear materials, presently unrefinable using known extraction technologies.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerAll civil nuclear material is subject to Euratom safeguards and to the terms of the United Kingdom/Euratom/IAEA safeguards agreement. Discussions are currently taking place with the international safeguards authorities on the safeguards to be applied to waste containing civil nuclear material.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the costs to be incurred by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority for the repackaging of nuclear wastes, currently stored at the authority's Harwell laboratories, originally destined for sea disposal but now planned for disposal by Nirex in the future land or sub-sea bed disposal strategy.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe UKAEA is considering the options for repackaging the nuclear waste originally destined for sea disposal. This examination includes close consultation with Nirex, as the body responsible for disposal of the waste.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will make a statement on the proposal to build a central dry store for spent nuclear fuel rods from the AGR and Magnox nuclear plants;
(2) if he will make a statement as to the relative merits of a central dry storage site for nuclear waste being located as between (a)Chapelcross and (b)Heysham.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI have received an investment proposal from the CEGB for a dry store for spent AGR100W fuel, to be constructed on their behalf and that of the SSEB. The SSEB has made a similar proposal to the Secretary of State for Scotland. The question of siting is a matter for the industry, subject to planning consents and other regulatory control by the NII and relevant authorising Departments.