§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the sites for which the Atomic Energy Authority has now lodged planning applications for test-bore drilling in relation to the programme for underground nuclear waste disposal; if he will state the planning authority considering each application; and if he will state the progress made to date on each application.
§ Mr. ShoreThe Atomic Energy Authority has submitted planning applications in respect of three areas for research into assessing the suitability of granite rock formations for underground disposal of appropriately treated radioactive waste.
Permission has been sought (a) from Kyle and Carrick District Council to drill test boreholes at a site in the Carrick Forest near Loch Doon; (b) from Northumberland County Council and Alnwick and Berwick District Council to drill at sites in the Chillingham and Usway forests in 481W the Cheviot Hills; and (c) from the Highlands Regional Council to drill at a site on the Ulbster estate in Caithness. The Atomic Energy Authority is awaiting the decisions of the relevant planning authorities.