§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, since it has been officially announced by the Chief Planning Engineer of the Central Electricity Generating Board that no assurance can be given that there will not be danger from radioactive dust emitted from the proposed new nuclear power station at Dungeness, how far provision has been made to safeguard the health of the population and livestock in that district from contamination of the crops or water supply; and what compensation will be provided, and in what form, for such damage as may occur from this cause.
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§ Mr. John HareThe Nuclear Installations (Licensing and Insurance) Bill provides that no radioactive wastes—whether airborne, solid or water borne—shall be discharged from any nuclear power station except in accordance with authorisations given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government and myself. Authorisations will be granted only if we are satisfied beyond doubt on independent scientific advice that the proposed discharges cannot harm people or livestock in the neighbourhood through contamination of crops or the water supply or otherwise. The Central Electricity Generating Board and all other operators of nuclear establishments will be liable for hurt or damage to persons or property caused by radiation from their establishments, even though this may have been due to unavoidable accident.