HC Deb 28 February 1986 vol 92 cc705-6W
Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which sites belonging to his Department are to be used for exploratory work in treating nuclear waste pursuant to the statement by the Secretary of State for the Environment on 25 February.

Mr. Lee

My right hon. Friend the Member for Mole Valley (Mr. Baker), in his statement on 25 February, when referring to deep disposal sites, mentioned that the nuclear industry was seeking ways of improving the conditioning of intermediate level wastes. Staff at the Atomic Weapons Research Esablishments at Aldermaston are collaborating with the civil nuclear industry in a research programme on the conditioning of such wastes for deep disposal.

Mr. Wallace

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the sites he is considering for possible dispersal of radioactive reactor compartments arising from the decommissioning of nuclear powered submarines, pursuant to the statement of the Secretary of State for the Environment on 25 February.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which coastal areas within his Department's control will be examined as possible sites for the disposal of radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear-powered vessels: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which coastal areas within his Department's control will be examined as possible sites for the disposal of radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear-powered vessels; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

If an inland site is selected to meet the requirement described by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment, on 25 February at column 812, it may be necessary to establish a small separate coastal site for disposing of the reactor compartments of decommissioned nuclear powered submarines. No decisions have yet been taken. Once suitable MOD sites have been identified for exploratory work to be undertaken on a contingency basis, the House will be informed, and the work would be subject to normal planning procedures. Any subsequent development of a site, should that prove necessary, would be subject to a public inquiry.