§ Mr. Frank Cookasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress NIREX and its consultants have made with the design of the Land 2 disposal facilities; when the feasibility study, initial design stage and final design stages, respectively, are expected to be completed; and if he will make it his policy for each stage to be made public when it has been concluded.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNIREX has already developed generic designs, illustrated in its third annual report. Alternative conceptual designs will be commissioned as relevant information from geological investigations of all the sites becomes available. These investigations will assess the feasibility of the sites and are expected to be complete during 1987. Thereafter, NIREX will undertake detailed design work. NIREX is prepared to make all designs publicly available. In particular, information on designs will be available to the public inquiry into any development proposals from NIREX and for consultation on the proposed terms of any authorisation for NIREX to dispose of waste at a facility.