§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration was given by the Nuclear Industry Radioactive Waste Executive to seismic factors in choosing Bradwell as one of the four potential sites for the disposal of radioactive nuclear waste which he announced in his statement of 25 February.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIn selecting Bradwell, NIREX was aware of the area's seismic history. The proposed site investigations will establish whether Bradwell would be geologically suitable for development as a disposal facility.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether the criteria used by the Nuclear Industry Radioactive Waste Executive in identifying the four potential sites for the disposal of radioactive nuclear waste were approved by him; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will publish the criteria used by the Nuclear Industry Radioactive Waste Executive to select the four potential sites for the disposal of radioactive nuclear waste which he announced in his statement of 25 February.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Government have the responsibility to determine the policy for the management of radioactive waste management and the national strategy for its implementation. Against that background we have indicated to NIREX the broad criteria we would want a site to satisfy. These are set out in a booklet published by my Department and others entitled "Disposal Facilities on Land for Low and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Wastes: Principles for the Protection of the Human Environment". Copies are available in the Library.
Responsibility for the selection of individual sites rests with NIREX. I understand that it has recently sent the hon. Member a copy of its brochure explaining the procedures it followed in making its choice.