§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if the effects on those aboard aircraft carrying plutonium from Liverpool to Dounreay have been monitored; what type of container is used and what are the materials used in its construction; what tests are carried out on the containers; and what would be the effect on the container of an air crash.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe radiation exposure to personnel is controlled according to the regulatory provisions which ensure that no person should receive a radiation dose greater than that permitted for members of the public. The design and construction of the steel and timber containers used for transport have been certified by my Department as complying with the stringent test requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which are intended to ensure that they would successfully withstand the effects of a severe accident.
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport over what period of time British Nuclear Fuels has been flying plutonium from Liverpool to Dounreay; which airline is transporting the plutonium; if the aircraft is also used to carry passengers; and what precautions are taken to protect those aboard against radiation hazards.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI am told that BNF has been flying plutonium from Liverpool to the Dounreay nuclear establishment since November 1979. Air services are currently provided by Dan Air Services, using cargo aircraft only. The required segregation distances are maintained between the packages and occupied areas in accordance with the national and international regulations.
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport why plutonium is brought to Liverpool from Sellafield instead of going direct from site.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI understand that there is no airstrip at the site to permit flights direct from Sellafield.
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Section Junction numbers Forecasts Original (000s) Flows for 1987 Updated (1984) (000s) Latest flows (000s) A225–A2 1 to 2 55 to 75 61 to 80 — A2–M20 2 to 3 55 to 70 61 to 74 — M20–A21 3 to 4 50 to 60 56 to64 41 A21–M26/A21 4 to 5 50to60 56to64 51
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the flights and routes made by British Nuclear Fuels carrying plutonium or nuclear waste other than that from Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI understand that no other flights take place at present, but flights have been made from other airports in the past.