§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to clarify the lines 31W of communication and accountability between his Department and NIREX; and if he will make a statement on his future plans on this subject.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe accountability of NIREX to my Department and our lines of communication are already clear. NIREX works within the general policy on radioactive waste management for which my right hon. Friend is responsible. In particular, NIREX has to satisfy my Department as an authorising body that its proposals for waste disposal are safe and acceptable.