§ Lord Brabazon of Taraasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress is being made on the finance, management and policy review of the radioactive waste management advisory committee.
Earl FerrersThe prior options stage of the financial management and policy review of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee has now been completed. Following consideration of the need for independent advice on radioactive waste management issues, and the appropriate mechanism for its provision, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and my right honourable friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales are agreed that the committee should continue to operate at least for another five years.
The Government remain committed to a policy of radioactive waste disposal, based on sound science, and taking into account costs and benefits. There remains a need for Government action to be guided by independent expert advice, specifically relating to radioactive waste management, that complements advice from other bodies including the Environment Agencies.
The structure and method of operation of the committee will now be considered. The review should be completed early next year, at which stage its conclusions will be published.