§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the President of the Board of Trade on what date in 1981 a United Kingdom Atomic46W Energy Authority shipment destined for Rockall Deep in 1981 was diverted to Beaufort's dyke; what was the reason for the diversion; and if he will list the full contents of that shipment. [3552]
§ Mr. PageIn November 1981, the MV Gem left Bromborough bound for the Rockall Deep. It was intended to test a new mechanism for handling drums of the type used for sea disposal of radioactive waste. However, due to severe weather it was necessary to carry out the tests at an alternative approved site at Beaufort's dyke.
The tests involved the dumping of a small batch of dummy drums containing only solid concrete. Beaufort's dyke was not used for the disposal of radioactive waste.