HC Deb 27 June 1979 vol 969 cc254-5W
Mr. Ernie Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what precautions are taken to protect nuclear waste from terrorist attack during its transport by rail.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The massive structure of the heavy steel flasks used to transport spent nuclear fuel to the reprocessing works makes them highly resistant to any attack, whether aimed at stealing a flask or dispersing its contents.

Mr. Ernie Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether any methods of disposal of nuclear waste were considered which did not involve transporting it by rail and, if so, on what grounds they were rejected.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Methods of transporting flasks of spent nuclear fuel for reprocessing have been appraised in the light of the need to move these abnormally heavy loads safely and efficiently; the availability of suitable handling facilities; and the need to keep journey times to a minimum.

Various methods, including air, sea, canal and road, have been considered, but for long haul journeys rail is considered to be the most satisfactory.

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