§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware of the transportation of nuclear material from Bradwell, Essex to Wind-scale, Cumberland by rail; if he is satisfied with the security arrangements on such journeys; and what is the use to which the material transported is put.
§ Mr. RidleyI am aware of this transportation, which has been going on for nearly ten years, and I am satisfied with the security arrangements. The material is carried under special arrangements in massive steel flasks weighing over 50 tons, with a bolted down lid which itself weighs eight tons. Fixed installations are required at loading and off-loading points, and special facilities to handle the material. Safety arrangements are approved by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. The material is returned to British Nuclear Fuels Limited for chemical separation of the valuable isotopes.