HC Deb 17 July 1959 vol 609 cc66-7W
Mr. D. Price

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what legislation the Government propose to introduce on the discharge of radioactive waste; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. H. Brooke

The Government have accepted recommendations by an expert committee that the discharge of radioactive wastes should be under Government control. It is proposed that the temporary control which now applies to discharges of radioactive waste from establishments of the Atomic Energy Authority, and which will by the Nuclear Installations (Licensing and Insurance) Act, 1959, apply to certain other types of nuclear installations, should be made permanent. It is also proposed that other discharges should require an authorisation from the appropriate Minister, and that a system of registration of users of radioactive substances should be introduced.

The Departments concerned are discussing with the interested bodies the means of implementing these proposals. I hope to make a more detailed statement later.