HC Deb 21 April 1986 vol 96 cc88-9W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any special security measures are envisaged to safeguard any site chosen for the dumping of nuclear waste from nuclear submarines; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

In the event that the Ministry of Defence establishes a coastal facility for the disposal of reactor compartments from decommissioned nuclear submarines, the advice of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate would be sought on the measures necessary to ensure the safety of the public.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify the special factors which render a site suitable for the storage of nuclear waste material from nuclear submarines.

Mr. Lee

A coastal location.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Members for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) and for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) on 28 February, Official Report, column 710, if any consideration has been given in the search for suitable sites for disposing of reactor compartments from nuclear submarines to sites not owned by his Department; what geological survey work will be required for this purpose; how long it will take; and whether this will be done by special development order.

Mr. Lee

Consideration of suitable sites, in case a separate facility is required, has been limited to sites owned by the Ministry of Defence. No short list of possible sites has yet been drawn up. The nature and extent of any geological survey work required will depend on which sites are chosen and will be subject to normal planning procedures. Any development of a facility at a particular site would be subject to a public inquiry.