HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc753-4W
Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade, and Industry what assessment she has made of the proposals put forward by the European Commissioner de Palacio to the Commission on 6 November concerning the harmonisation of nuclear reactor safety and radioactive waste management across the EU. [80343]

Mr. Wilson

Officials in my Department and DEFRA are taking preliminary steps to assess the implications for the UK. It is important to remember that the proposals currently under discussion within the Commission could be changed significantly before any proposal is made to the Council.

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional resources have been made available to her Office of Civil Nuclear Security following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. [80344]

Mr. Wilson

It has been agreed with the Treasury that the budget for the Office for Civil Nuclear Security will be increased by £200,000 for the financial year 2002–2003 and by £300,000 for the financial year 2003–2004

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the public consultation on the proposed revisions to civil nuclear security arrangements; how many responses were received; and if she will place copies of them in the Library. [80094]

Mr. Wilson

The Department has drawn up proposals for the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations which will provide a clarified and updated legislative basis for security regulation in the UK's civil nuclear industry.

The Department has carried out a public consultation exercise on the proposals and is considering the 27 responses it has received with a view to making the regulations as soon as possible.

The Department will publish a document summarising the responses received, and its responses to the points raised. As explained in the consultation document for the regulations, this will not identify individual responses. This is for security reasons. Nor will the summary document refer to issues with potential implications for operational security.

A copy of this document will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.