Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (Hansard, 12 January 2004)

§ Lord Sainsbury of Turville

Clauses 3 and 34 of the Energy Bill set out the responsibilities of the proposed Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) with regard to the handling of hazardous material. Clause 73WA 3(1)(d) provides for the NDA to be given responsibility for operating designated facilities for treating, storing, transporting and disposing of "hazardous material". Clause 3(1)(e) provides for the NDA to be given responsibility for treating, storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous material in designated circumstances. Hazardous material is defined in Clause 34 of the Bill as "nuclear matter" as per the Nuclear Installations Act 1965; "radioactive waste" as per the Radioactive Substances Act 1993; and things "contaminated as a result of nuclear activities" as per Clause 33(5) of the Energy Bill. These provisions will enable the NDA to treat, store and dispose of hazardous material, including low level waste (LLW), intermediate level waste (ILW) and high level waste (HLW), at designated sites for which it is responsible, and in designated circumstances at sites for which it is not responsible. The NDA's plans for carrying out this function will be required to have particular regard for government policy (Clause 9), and will be set out in its strategy (Clause 12) and annual work plans (Clause 13).

Policy on the long-term management of radioactive waste is being looked at by the Government's new independent body, the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). CoRWM has been asked by sponsoring Ministers to aim to deliver its recommendations by the end of 2005. Following delivery of its recommendations, the Government will need to decide and announce their policy and thereafter set appropriate arrangements in place for its delivery. As set out in Clause 3 of the Energy Bill, the NDA will have responsibilities in this regard.