§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what recent reports he has received from the United States authorities about the condition of the Three Mile Island nuclear power station; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe Nuclear Installations Inspectorate keeps in close touch with the United States regulatory authorities. It is kept fully up to date on all aspects of the Three Mile Island accident, including the condition of the station, and has received a considerable number of reports. The inspectorate's comments on the accident were published in the United Kingdom in November last year and I understand that nothing has occurred since then that has led it to change its conclusions.
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§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will ask the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to make a rigorous examination of the bellows sections of the Berkeley nuclear power station reactors and make a public report on its findings;
(2) what action will be taken following the discovery of a 3-ft. long crack in the primary circuit of Berkeley nuclear power station No. 1 reactor; whether this indicates that similar potentially dangerous cracks may exist in other reactors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontFollowing my answers about the discovery of weld defects in the bellows internal restraint structures at Dungeness and Bradwell nuclear power stations- 826–8, and Vol. 979, c. 103]—an extensive programme of inspections has been carried out by the CEGB at all other Magnox stations with external gas ducting. These inspections have been completed at all stations except Berkeley, and the defects found have been assessed as having no significance for safety. Inspection is continuing at Berkeley, and assessments are being made of the significance of weld defects found in the bellows restraint structures of reactor 1. The CEGB is considering what steps, if any, may be necessary before the reactor can be returned to power—which in any case is subject to NII approval—and also the implications for the continued operation of the other reactor at Berkeley. Any significant weld defects discovered will be reported in the Health and Safety Executive's published quarterly statement on incidents at nuclear installations
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the Magnox and AGR nuclear power stations which are currently out of action, for whatever reason, stating the reason in each case, the length of time off stream and the likely date on which it is expected that each will resume supply to the grid.
Mr. Norman-LamontThis is a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member. Power stations in Scotland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.