HC Deb 17 February 1977 vol 926 cc329-30W
Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the new radiochemical manufacturing plants in Wales.

Mr. Eadie

The Radiochemical Centre's new development at Cardiff will be concerned with the manufacture and processing of radio-isotopes for use in medicine, research and industry; for example, medical diagnostic kits now extensively used in hospitals throughout the world.

Following a public inquiry in 1975 the scheme was approved by the relevant planning and safety authorities, and construction began in June 1976. Some of the ancillary buildings will be ready for occupation later this year and the main facilities are due to be completed during 1979. Further development will take place thereafter. Over the next 10 years or so the project is expected to generate about 1,000 new jobs, about 500 of them by 1980. The new plant is expected to contribute substantially to the growth in TRC's sales and to profits.

The operation of the plant will be subject to stringent licensing and inspection control by the Health and Safety Executive.