§ Lord Dubsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of the establishment of the devolved administration, they will clarify the departmental responsibilities for nuclear safety. [HL506]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Jay of Paddington)Mr Stephen Byers, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, answers to Parliament on civil nuclear safety. Following devolution, his accountability for safety now extends to Scotland, as well as England and Wales. There are no licensed sites in Northern Ireland. Advice to Ministers on nuclear safety policy is given by the independent Health and Safety Commission, with day-to-day regulation at licensed nuclear sites a matter for the Health and. Safety Executive through its Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.
A summary of the responsibilities of Ministers and other organisations in this area has been placed in the Libraries of the House as well as on the DTI and HSE websites.