HC Deb 09 December 1975 vol 902 cc169-70W
Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the security arrangements in nuclear power stations and when nuclear material is being transported; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Benn

The arrangements made are designed to meet our security needs and are, of course, kept under review.

Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for Energy where, and how, nuclear waste is stored; if he is satisfied with these arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Benn

The highly active waste produced by the reprocessing of irradiated fuel from the civil nuclear power programme, together with a small quantity of waste from overseas reprocessing contracts, is at present stored in liquid form at Windscale in high integrity thick stainless steel tanks, shielded in concrete, which provide protection against both radiation and external damage. I am satisfied with these storage arrangements, which are subject to strict requirements as to safety imposed and enforced by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965.