§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he adheres to the view he expressed to the House in an answer to the question of the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Dorrell) on 24 July 1979, c. 216, that a plan to manufacture glass blocks containing vitrified nuclear waste by processes developed in the United Kingdom will be in operation by about 1990.
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§ Mr. HeseltineI understand that British Nuclear Fuels Limited now expects to begin the manufacture of glass blocks containing nuclear waste some time before 1990. The first production plant will, subject to the outcome of satisfactory commercial negotiations, be based on the French AVM process, which offers worthwhile advantages. Its use will, of course, be subject to the necessary safety authorisations being granted.