§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey,Official Report, 26 April, column 265, if he will estimate how many flights were carrying (a) medical isotopes, (b) reactor fuel and (c) radioactive material for military purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinOf the approximately 8,000 flights per year which carry radioactive materials, I understand that over 99 per cent. carry isotopes for medical and industrial use. Radioactive materials transported for military purposes are a matter for the Ministry of Defence.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Radioactive Substance (Carriage by Road) (Great Britain) Regulations apply to the transportation of radioactive material for military purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Secretary of State for Defence is the competent authority in his own right for the transport of radioactive materials for military purposes. The Ministry of Defence uses containers which are designed, manufactured and tested in complete conformity with the appropriate International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) transport regulations.