HC Deb 04 December 1986 vol 106 cc742-3W
Mr. Barron

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what training exercises for emergencies have been held at Heysham 2 nuclear power station in the presence of one or more inspectors of Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate; what was the date and nature of each exercise; and what reports have been made by inspectors;

(2) what training exercises for emergencies have been held at Dungeness B nuclear power station in the presence of one or more inspectors of Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate; what was the date and nature of each exercise; and what reports have been made by inspectors;

(3) what training exercises for emergencies have been held at Hartlepool nuclear power station in the presence of one or more inspectors of Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate; what was the date and nature of each exercise; and what reports have been made by inspectors.

Mr. Goodlad

Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate requires emergency exercises to be demonstrated to their satisfaction before fuel loading, and at least annually thereafter, at all operational nuclear power stations. Formal comments are made by Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate to licensees after each exercise.

Heysham 2 is approaching the fuel loading stage of commissioning. A team of inspectors from Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate observed exercises demonstrating its emergency arrangements on 18 July 1986 and 6 November 1986. The first exercise did not satisfy Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate, which required a second exercise. This was successful.

The most recent exercises of emergency arrangements at Hartlepool and Dungeness B nuclear power station took place on 19 November and 21 November 1986 respectively.

Mr. Barron

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the present stage of commissioning of each reactor at (a) Dungeness B, (b) Hartlepool and (c) Heysham 2; what problems have been encountered with each unit during commissioning; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

This is a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board and I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Barron

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what information other than educational and professional qualifications is provided in respect of named persons by a nuclear site licensee for Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to judge whether a person is fit for his duties; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

For any person to be appointed as a duly authorised person at a licensed nuclear site, Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate is notified in writing of the function to which the person is appointed, together with the person's qualifications and relevant experience.