HC Deb 01 February 1985 vol 72 c342W
Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the last inspection date for all nuclear power stations and the next expected date.

Mr. Goodlad

To ensure compliance with conditions attached to nuclear site licences and to provide an overall surveillance of activities affecting safety on a licensed site, inspectors from Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate pay regular and frequent visits—usually at least once a month—to each licensed nuclear power station site for two or three days at a time, or for longer periods if necessary.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the normal inspection procedure for nuclear power stations; and how often installations are partially or completely shut down or not producing electricity during such inspections.

Mr. Goodlad

Inspectors of Her Majesty's Installations Inspectorate pay frequent visits — usually monthly — to licensed nuclear power station sites. Nuclear power reactors are required to be shut down every two years for maintenance and inspection under conditions attached to their nuclear site licences. Nuclear power reactors may also be shut down or run at reduced power from time to time for operational reasons.