HC Deb 09 February 2004 vol 417 cc1219-20W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason no hard copy of the consultation paper on proposals for intermediate level radioactive waste substitution had reached either the Vote Office or the Library four days after its official release. [153234]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 6 February 2004]A copy of the consultation document was sent to all MPs on 30 January 2004. Due to an administrative oversight, there was a short delay before copies were placed in the Libraries of the House and the Vote Office.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list those persons and organisations who have been sent copies of the consultation paper on intermediate level radioactive waste substitution. [153235]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 6 February 2004]Around 1,600 copies of the report have been distributed to among others MPs, MEPs, the nuclear industry, local authorities and environmental groups.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she had been informed of the financial arrangements between BNFL and NAC International when she commissioned from the latter the consultation paper on proposals for intermediate level radioactive waste substitution. [153236]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 6 February 2004]The Department was aware of the financial arrangements between BNFL and NAC International when NAC were commissioned to undertake the report.

NAC International were chosen following a competitive tendering process in line with Departmental rules.

NAC is an international company providing consultancy services on a wide range of nuclear issues. We are advised by NAC that its work for BNFL amounts to around 0.3 per cent. of current turnover. Most of NAC's turnover is generated from work conducted outside the UK.