§ Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) when his Department became aware of the decision to downrate by 22 per cent. the Magnox reactor at Trawsfynydd nuclear power station, to enable operation to restart; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when his Department became aware of the new pressure temperature management regime at Trawsfynydd nuclear power station; and if he will make a statement on safety.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe reactors at Trawsfynydd were shut down in February 1991 as a precautionary measure, to enable Nuclear Electric to review the situation with regard to the integrity of pressure vessel welds. Both reactors have remained shut down since then.
Discussions are continuing between Nuclear Electric and the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate on Nuclear Electric's safety case for a return to power of the reactors. Changes to the operating regimes 476W of the reactors, which may or may not result in downrating, will form part of those discussions. The details of changes finally agreed prior to any return to operation will be a matter for Nuclear Electric and the NII.
There will be no question of a return to power of the Trawsfynydd reactors unless and until the NII is satisfied that an acceptable safety case has been made.