HC Deb 16 December 1976 vol 922 cc799-800W
Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy why British Nuclear Fuels delayed notification of a leakage of radioactive water at Windscale.

Mr. Benn

British Nuclear Fuels Limited reported the leakage to the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate under existing working arrangements.

As I informed the House on Monday, 13th December in reply to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King) I have given instructions that in future I shall be immediately informed when incidents, however apparently insignificant, occur on nuclear installations for which I am answerable to the House.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if the source of the leakage of radioactive water at Windscale has now been isolated.

Mr. Benn

No. As I informed the House on Monday 13th December in reply to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King), I will report again to the House as soon as I have further advice from the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what advice British Nuclear Fuels received from officials of the Health and Safety Executive, in connection with making a public statement as soon as the leakage of radioactive water at Windscale was detected; and what response was made.

Mr. Benn

I am informed that officials of the Health and Safety Executive did not advise British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. on the subject of a public statement when the contamination at the Windscale site was reported to them and that they have no duty to do so.