§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action has been taken in respect of the owner of the field at Poplar farm, Chelveston, Northamptonshire, in which drums of uranium 238 filings were found in mid-January.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe legislation under which radioactive waste is controlled is the Radioactive Substance Act. 1993. The question of possible enforcement action under this Act is a matter for the chief inspector of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. At this time, the matters are664W under investigation and any actions taken will depend on the outcome of these investigations.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received a report from Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution on the source of the drums of uranium 238 filings found recently at Poplar farm, Chelveston, Northamptonshire; if the carrier who took the drums from the point of production has been identified; whether the carrier was a registered carrier; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe scrap metal containing uranium found on land at Poplar farm, Caldecott, Northamptonshire is of unknown origin. Investigations are continuing to try and trace the source of the material and those involved in its movement.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the nature of the uranium recently discovered in Northampton; what action has been taken to protect the interests of local people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe scrap metal containing uranium found on land at Poplar farm, Caldecott, Northamptonshire consists of metal turnings commonly called swarf. It is believed to contain depleted uranium.
When this was discovered, HMIP informed the local police force and other relevant bodies. The local standing emergency plan was put into force. HMIP arranged for the scrap metal to be removed from the site; any remaining contamination will be removed shortly. Operations were managed so that the risk to the public was minimal. A 24-hour police presence was arranged to restrict access to the site by unauthorised persons. The United States air force authorities were consulted about the accommodation they use opposite the site.
A local health telephone help line was put in place so that residents or other members of the public could seek advice or monitoring.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations control the disposal of uranium by civil bodies; what consideration has been given to bringing these into line with regulations concerning disposal of uranium from military sources; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsDisposal of radioactive waste is subject to regulation under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Premises occupied by armed forces are exempt from the terms of the Act, although under arrangements agreed with the Ministry of Defence, Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate control disposal from military sites as if the Act applied to those premises. The arrangements are kept under review.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what volume of(a) low-level, (b) medium-level and (c) high-level radioactive waste was produced in England and Wales in each year since 1990;
(2) what volume of (a) low-level, (b) medium-level and (c) high-level radioactive waste is expected to be produced in England and Wales in each year from 1995 to 2000.
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§ Mr. AtkinsInformation about radioactive waste produced in the UK can be found in the "The United Kingdom Radioactive Waste Inventory 1991", a copy of which is held in the Library of the House. A 1994 edition of the inventory is currently in preparation.