§ Mr. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list (a) the sites in England for which the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has sought planning permission for test drillings into geological strata as part of the programme of research into ways of disposing of high-level radioactive waste and (b) the decision of the planning authority in each case which has been determined.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has submitted two planning applications in England to carry out research into assessing the suitability of geological formations for the possible eventual underground disposal of appropriately treated radioactive waste. The applications, in respect of areas in the Chillingham and Usway 305W forests in the North of England, were rejected by Northumberland county council. I understand that the Atomic Energy Authority is preparing appeals.