§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the number of residents who would need to be evacuated in the event of having to operate his emergency plan for dealing with a release of radioactivity at Willesden junction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreThe transport of radioactive material by rail is carried out in accordance with the stringent internationally-accepted regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In particular the massive containers for carrying irradiated fuels (flasks) are designed, tested and certified in accordance with these requirements, which ensure that the flasks themselves can withstand even a severe accident without releasing dangerous amounts of radioactive materials. As a matter of prudence there are additional back-up arrangements against the possibility of accidents. These are designed to 43W provide an appropriate response to any mishap whatever its scale and location. Even in most extreme circumstances it is not envisaged that extensive evacuation would be necessary.