§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) in the event of a possible radiation leak similar to that which was feared could have happened at Temple Mills, Leyton, railway yard on 12 April, what are the responsibilities of the Central Electricity Generating Board scientists; and what they did during the 12 April incident;
(2) if he will make a statement as to why it took officials from Bradwell power station two hours to get to Leyton on 12 April when a radiation leak was feared; and if he is satisfied with this response time to potentially dangerous situations.
§ Mr. Giles ShawAs outlined in the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 24 May, in the event of a suspected radiological incident during the rail transport of flasks containing irradiated fuel from CEGB nuclear power stations, it is the responsibility of the British Railways Board to set in motion the agreed emergency procedure. This includes informing the police, the fire brigade and, if necessary, the ambulance service, and requesting the assistance of CEGB specialists. In such a situation, the role of the CEGB specialists is to provide expertise in nuclear health and safety matters, including radiation monitoring, and to advise as necessary the officer in charge of the incident.
With regard to the incident at Temple Mills marshalling yard, Leyton, on 12 April, I understand that a CEGB team arrived at the site at 17.20 hours, an hour and 40 minutes after the first alert message. CEGB health physicists were quickly able to confirm that there was no radiological hazard, and at 18.15 hours the incident was declared closed. The response time is consistent with the CEGB's plans for incidents of this kind and reflects the behaviour of the flask and its contents.