HC Deb 10 May 1995 vol 259 c482W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library a copy of the document on safety fundamentals and standards for radioactive waste management as agreed by the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors at its meeting on 27 to 30 March; and what contribution was made by United Kingdom specialists to this document. [22932]

Mr. Atkins

A copy of the International Atomic Energy Agency safety fundamentals "The Principles of Radioactive Waste Management" and safety standard No. 1 "Establishing a National Legal System for Radioactive Waste Management", which were adopted by the IAEA board of governors in March, will be placed in the Library when published later this year. The UK made a full contribution to the preparation of these documents.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what British specialists Her Majesty's Government have nominated for the group of experts being convened by the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency to prepare a convention on the safety of radioactive waste management. [22929]

Mr. Atkins

Officials from my Department and, as appropriate, from other Government Departments, agencies and organisations will be involved in preparations for the proposed International Atomic Energy Agency convention on the safety of radioactive waste management.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what investigations have been carried out into the radioactive waste found at Poplar farm, Northamptonshire, on 13 January; and what these investigations conclude is the source of this material. [23043]

Mr. Atkins

The investigations undertaken to date by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in order to trace the origin of the depleted uranium found at Poplar farm, Chelveston, have included the following: firstly, identifying the type of material found; secondly, identifying the sources of such material; and, finally, visiting all these locations in order to either eliminate them from the investigation, or to identify the site as a possible source for the material. The investigations are still under way.