§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will describe the responsibilities, in relation to the routine management of licensed Magnox nuclear power stations, of (a) the licensee, (b) the Nuclear Installations Inpectorate and (c) the staff of his Department in determining what extent of expenditure on improving safety features is reasonably practicable; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will describe the responsibilities, in relation to the 20-year safety reviews of Magnox power stations, of (a) the licensee, (b) the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and (c) the staff of his Department in determining what extent of expenditure on improving safety features is reasonably practicable; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladThe answers to both questions are the same. The licensee is legally responsible for ensuring that his operations are safe. To the extent that maintenance of safety requires expenditure, it is for the licensee to assess the costs against the overall economics of the plant, and to decide between making necessary improvements or closing the plant down. The Health and Safety Executive, of which Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate is a part, has a duty to see that appropriate standards are developed, achieved and maintained by the licensee. It sets the licence terms and checks compliance by assessment and inspection, and has the power to require a plant to be closed if any necessary improvements are not made. Departmental officials advise my right hon. Friend on safety policy and on overall expenditure proposals, but do not participate in determining the extent of expenditure required for improvement of safety.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many people are working directly and indirectly in support of the United Kingdom nuclear energy programme.
§ Mr. GoodladAbout 44,000 people are employed directly by BNFL, UKAEA, NNC and in the nuclear specific work of the electricity generating boards. There are, in addition, many thousands of people in the manufacturing and service industries employed on the industry's major capital projects, in maintaining and servicing the industry's existing sites and in providing local infrastructure. For example, BNFL has estimated that in addition to their directly employed staff, a further 50,000 jobs are supported by their capital investment programme. Well over 100,000 jobs depend directly or indirectly on the industry.