§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will describe how the authorisation presently in force for discharges of radioactive waste at each licensed nuclear site is related to target levels or assessment levels of exposure for members of the public; whether in each case the maximum exposure calculated for any member of the public at 100 per cent. of authorised discharges is within the latest target level or assessment level applicable to a new nuclear installation; when each authorisation is next due to be reviewed; what target level or assessment level is expected to be introduced at the next review in respect of the maximum exposure of any member of the public during normal operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThe procedure for deciding nuclear site authorisations, and for relating the effects of discharges to the internationally recommended dose limits, are described in Scottish Development Department "Statistical Bulletins" No. 4/1984 and No. 1/1986 which are available in the Library.
Annual levels of exposure arising from waste disposals from Scottish nuclear installations have remained well within the limits set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and would have done so had discharges been up to the maximum permitted levels. However, the Government have accepted the most recent recommendations of the commission, and all Scottish nuclear site authorisations are being reviewed to establish what changes, if any, are required on this account. The review should be completed by 1988.