§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received protesting against the dumping of radioactive waste material in the Lumn's lane area of Salford; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Department has received 53 representations, comprising petitions and letters from individuals, protesting against the disposal of low-level radioactive waste at Greater Manchester council's waste disposal site at Lumn's lane, Salford.
The four authorisations granted under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 permit controlled disposal of low-level radioactive waste. They were issued following a thorough assessment of the suitability of the site by the 99W Radiochemical Inspectorate in consultation with local and other authorities concerned. Most of the waste arises from essential medical and research work in the area and the disposals need to take place so that the work may continue. Disposals have taken place at similar sites in Greater Manchester for many years and no hazard has arisen as a result. My right hon. Friend has carefully considered the representations but he is satisfied as to the safety of the disposals authorised which relate to waste at very low levels of radioactivity.