§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the work commissioned by the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee; whether the committee has a policy of initiating research or studies; whether it is passed research, studies or reports from other Departments; and whether it has to report all its deliberations to other Departments.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee has complete discretion on the work322W it may initiate. In addition, it may be asked by Government for advice on specific subjects. In setting about its work, it will have access to material in Government Departments or agencies. It is not required to report its deliberations other than in its annual report each year or in the advice given directly to Ministers.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the procedures for the selection of members to the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee.
§ Mrs. RumboldMembers of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee are appointed by the Secretaries of State for the Environment, Scotland and Wales after they have taken advice from the chairman, and, as they consider necessary, from colleagues and other sources.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the reports and any other publications of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee; what is the policy of the committee as regards publication of its reports and deliberations; and whether the committee makes available transcripts or other records of its meetings.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe committee's policy is that its deliberations should be in confidence, but that its conclusions and advice to Ministers should be made public, usually through a report each year to Ministers which is then published. Six annual reports for the years 1980 to 1985 have been published. The report for 1986 will be published later this month.