§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what amounts of(a) low level, (b) intermediate-level and (c) high-level nuclear waste have been transported by train in each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [135172]
§ Mr. McNulty[holding answer on 29 October 2003]The regulations that ensure the safe transport of radioactive materials do not distinguish on safety grounds between waste and any other radioactive materials. This is because there are no special safety issues pertaining specifically to the transport of waste. There is no regulatory requirement for this department to be notified of waste shipments.
The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) carried out studies in 1984 and 1991 examining road and rail transport of radioactive material in the UK for the Department. The latest report identified that around 5000 containers of low-level waste and some 765 irradiated fuel flasks (this material may not have been classified as waste) were transported in 1989. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House.
A further study has been commissioned from NRPB, which is due for completion at the end of 2004. This will contain a similar analysis of national trends. The report will be lodged in the house library when complete.
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§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports his Department has received about plans to increase the transport by train of nuclear waste through London; and if he will make a statement. [135173]
§ Mr. McNulty[holding answer 29 October 2003]In October 2001 the Greater London Authority (GLA) investigated the transport of irradiated fuel through London. This concluded that there would be no increase in the frequency of transport of spent nuclear fuel through London during the imminent decommissioning of some nuclear reactors in the south east. The Department is not convinced that the conclusions of this report present a full and accurate picture of future trends.
A study has been commissioned from NRPB, which is due for completion at the end of 2004. This will contain an analysis of national trends in the shipment of radioactive material. In particular it will look at trends expected as a result of decommissioning. The report will be lodged in the house Library when complete.
The Department has offered to collaborate with the GLA by including a specific study of London within the national study. This would provide the information requested.
§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many trains went through London with(a) low-level, (b) intermediate-level and (c) high-level nuclear waste in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [135174]
§ Mr. McNulty[holding answer 29 October 2003]The organisation that operates trains transporting irradiated fuel (Direct Rail Services) has stated that shipments through London have averaged three per week on a reasonably constant basis over the past five years.
A study examining road and rail transport of radioactive material nationally has been commissioned from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), which is due for completion at the end of 2004. This will contain an analysis of national trends of numbers and types of shipments. The report will be lodged in the Library of the House when complete.
In October 2001 the Greater London Authority (GLA) investigated the transport of irradiated fuel through London. In response to this the Department has offered to collaborate with the GLA by including a specific study of London within the national study.