HC Deb 19 January 1979 vol 960 cc925-6W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish the complete account of the power reactor operating experience including details of planned and forced outages, and their causes, since 1962.

Mr. Benn:

Details of the operating experience of United Kingdom nuclear power stations in terms of average load factors and units supplies are published annually by the statistical office of the European Communities in "Operation of Nuclear Power Stations ". A copy of the 1977 edition is available in the Library of the House.

Details of outages have been given annually since 1970 in the International Atomic Energy Agency publication "Operating Experience with Nuclear Power Stations in Member States ". Copies of the 1974 and 1976 editions are available in the library of the House, and I am arranging for copies of the other issues to be deposited there as soon as possible.

I am asking the chairmen of the Central Electricity Generating Board and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to write to the hon. Member giving details of outages between 1962 and 1970.

Nuclear power stations owned by the South of Scotland Electricity Board are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish a complete list of reports prepared or commissioned by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate relating to(a)the safety of Magnox reactors and advanced gas-cooled reactors, (b)the safety of pressurised water reactors and fast-breeder reactors, (c) the storage of spent nuclear fuel, and (d)the treatment and disposal of radioactive waste.

Mr. Benn:

I am advised by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that since it was formed in 1959 the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate has produced or commissioned thousands of reports relating to the aspects of nuclear safety mentioned, and that it would involve a disproportionate expenditure of time and effort to no practical purpose to publish such a list. However, the inspectorate publishes details of its technical reviews and activities with the aim of keeping the public informed on questions of nuclear safety.

If the hon. Member has any problems in acquiring information about these reports, I would be glad to know about it.