HC Deb 26 January 1977 vol 924 cc633-4W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has investigated the environmental and safety problems outlined in a memorandum submitted by the Dounreay Experimental Reactor Establishment, a copy of which has already been sent to his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what are the safeguards which would be necessary to provide the appropriate guarantee that accidents arising from fuel storage and toxic materials associated with power production could be prevented;

(2) what progress has been made in formulating safety questions about forms of energy production other than conventional ones, and about the kind of accidents possible with other energy sources;

(3) in connection with the possible consequences of an accident in conventional energy production, how much warning there would be of a potential failure of the containment of the liquid petroleum gas and chlorine to permit evacuation of the site and neighbouring areas;

(4) in the event of an escape of petroleum gas and a subsequent explosion in a concentrated complex, what area would be affected; and what would be the extent of the damage;

(5) what are the areas of failure in fuel storage and toxic materials associated with power production which could precipitate a major accident;

(6) what work has been done in the United Kingdom on the safety in operation of conventional energy sources; and whether information has been devised bearing on the relative safety in operation of conventional sources and reactors.

Mr. Benn

A list of questions on the safety of non-nuclear energy sources and power production has been raised by staff at the Dounreay Experimental Research Establishment which covers the points raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Moonman) and the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet). I have discussed these with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment in whose field of responsibility they mainly fall, and he is asking the Health and Safety Commission to prepare detailed replies for our consideration. My right hon. Friend will then arrange for a report by the Commission to be laid before the House in due course.