§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what information or warning was received from the French authorities about the fire at the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Cap La Hague near Cherbourg on 7 January which led to the release of strontium 90 and plutonium contaminants; whether the Channel Islands were affected; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI am advised by the Health and Safety Executive that, on 7 January, the French regulatory authorities informed the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) of the incident under a formal arrangement with the executive providing for the exchange of information about nuclear safety matters. They advised that on 6 January radiological surveillance at La Hague had shown a slight rise in radioactivity, and this radioactivity was traced to an underground waste store from which whisps of smoke were emerging. Action was taken to control and extinguish any fire. They further advised that the increase in the level of radioactivity detected did not exceed permitted limits during the incident.
I understand from my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that, in accordance with the arrangements agreed with the French Government, the prefect of the Department of La Manche notified the Channel Islands authorities of this incident on 7 January.
The NII is maintaining contact with the French authorities and expects in due course to receive further information concerning the circumstances of the accident when these have been evaluated. I expect to be further advised when that information is available.