Uranium Enrichment Plant (Capenhurst)

HC Deb 23 February 1979 vol 963 cc378-9W

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call in for further examination the planning approval granted for the uranium enrichment plant at Capenhurst.

Mr. Shore

No. Outline planning permission was granted in 1971 and a centrifuge plant of 130 tonnes capacity per annum is already in operation. The present proposal is an extension of the centrifuge plant and falls within the ceilings already allowed in 1971. No new technology is involved. Authorised discharges are very small, and are carefully monitored and controlled. The commissioning of the plant will, of course, be subject to the stringent licensing procedures of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965.