HC Deb 20 May 1986 vol 98 cc157-8W
Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what research Her Majesty's Government have done into the siting of nuclear power stations underground; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

The possibility of siting nuclear power stations underground has been examined from time to time. However, all reactors are designed to prevent emissions of radiation and radioactive materials. The best combination of excavation and building structures for that purpose will depend on individual site characteristics. No potential advantage in cost or effectiveness has been identified which would require specific research into underground siting.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what research has been carried out into the practicality of de-commissioning existing nuclear power stations and converting their source to fossil fuel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

Research and experimental work in the United Kingdom on the decornmissioning of nuclear reactors is carried out by the Atomic Energy Authority. I am not aware of any studies of the conversion of nuclear power stations to fossil-fuel burning.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total installed capacity of nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Goodlad

At the end of 1985, output capacity of nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom was 7,064 MW.