HC Deb 29 January 2004 vol 417 cc501-2W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what measures she has taken to protect trains carrying nuclear fuel and spent nuclear fuel through Essex from terrorist attack; [150523]

(2) what assessment she has made of the vulnerability to terrorist attack of trains travelling through Essex carrying nuclear fuel and spent nuclear fuel; [150524]

Mr. Timms

The transport of nuclear fuel strictly adheres to the stringent international and national regulations that govern such movements. In the UK security for the transportation of nuclear material is regulated by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS). OCNS is kept fully briefed about terrorist threat intelligence and in turn keeps security arrangements under review at all times. It is not Government policy to disclose details of security measures or nuclear fuel movements, which may be of potential use to terrorists.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many trains per month travel in Essex carrying(a) nuclear fuel and (b) spent nuclear fuel. [150525]

Mr. Timms

On average the movement of flasks containing spent nuclear fuel through Essex amounts to 12 separate rail movements per month. There are no fresh fuel movements currently through Essex by rail.