HC Deb 10 April 1986 vol 95 cc167-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with NIREX about the proposals for nuclear dumps since the receipt of the list of recommendations.

Mr. Waldegrave

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave on 11 March at columns 431–32, to my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown).

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what relevant geological exploratory work he is aware of on the Killingholme Central Electricity Generating Board site supported by NIREX as a possible nuclear dump.

Mr. Waldegrave

I understand that earlier geological exploratory works undertaken by the CEGB in connection with the possible development of a power station on the Killingholme site were insufficient for NIREX's purposes. The site investigations now proposed by NIREX will establish whether the site would be geologically suitable for development as a disposal facility.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards replying to correspondence, meeting deputations and receiving representations from those in the areas affected by the proposals for nuclear waste disposal before the special development order is published; and whether he intends to set any final date for this process.

Mr. Waldegrave

My ministerial colleagues and I have made it clear that we are willing to meet representatives of the areas concerned to discuss the draft special development order. With my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State I have already met such delegations led by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Lyell) and my hon. Friends the Members for Bedfordshire, South-West (Mr. Madel) and for Glanford and Scunthorpe (Mr. Hickmet) and the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell). Matters of civil nuclear policy in general are, of course, largely a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. It is clear that the proper occasion for the detailed examination of proposals for any particular site must await the public inquiry.

Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend and I will consider on their merits all representations concerned with the planning and other implications of the proposals now the subject of the draft SDO.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish the special development order for exploratory work on nuclear dumps.

Mr. Waldegrave

As soon as all the matters raised during the consultation period have been fully considered.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what population lives within a (a) five-mile radius and (b) 10-mile radius of each of the four sites supported by NIREX for nuclear dumps; and what are the drainage boards, the water authorities and the district authorities into which they fall.

Mr. Waldegrave

Population levels for these precise areas are not readily available. However the following approximate population levels are derived from the 1981 census:

Radius
5 km 15 km
South Killingholme 10,000 288,000
Elstow 40,000 130,000
Fulbeck 3,500 76,000
Bradwell 8,000 75,000

All four sites are within the area of the Anglian water authority. South Killingholme falls within the area of Glanford borough council and North East Lindsey internal drainage board.

Elstow falls within the areas of Mid Bedfordshire district council, North Bedfordshire borough council and the Bedfordshire and River Ivel internal drainage board.

Fulbeck falls within the areas of South Kesteven district council, North Kesteven district council and Witham internal drainage board.

Bradwell falls within the area of Maldon district council. This site is not within the area of any drainage board.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what budget is allocated to NIREX for informing public opinion on nuclear dumping; and from what sources the money is allocated.

Mr. Waldegrave

I understand from UK NIREX Ltd. that it has allocated £896,000 to its publicity budget for 1986–87. NIREX is funded by the four shareholders: British Nuclear Fuels Ltd., the United Atomic Energy Authority, the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy holds a special share, nominally valued at £1.