§ Mr. Robin F. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the occasion to which he refers in his answer, Official Report, 24th February, c. 706, concerning the irradiated fuel flask which was vented while delayed in port, stating the date and place where this occurred, the pressure of the flask, the gases which were released, and the statutory authorities who were notified.
§ Mr. HoramVenting took place in the Port of Barrow on board ship on 30th December 1976. The pressure was about 4 atmospheres gauge. Gases released via a charcoal filter were hydrogen and a minute trace of radioactive krypton and, as mentioned in my reply of 24th February 1976, venting was accomplished without hazard to the crew and the general public. My Department was notified in advance and gave approval to this operation.