§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has about the safety record of French nuclear power stations situated close to the English Channel; what discussions have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the French Government about safety standards and procedures at nuclear power stations in the light of the Chernobyl disaster; and what plans exist for the exchange of information in the event of an accident to a nuclear power station near the Channel.
§ Mr. GoodladThe nuclear installations inspectorate and its French counterparts have a formal arrangement for 253W continuously exchanging information on all matters affecting safety. This would include details of incidents and actions resulting as a consequence. The NII has not found it necessary to alert me to any concern over the safety of French nuclear facilities. No formal exchange has taken place between the two regulatory authorities as yet, which are specific to Chernobyl, but both participated in a meeting on 9 May organised by the nuclear energy agency committee on the safety of nuclear installations. In addition to the arrangement referred to above there is a formal Government to Government agreement of July 1983 (Cmnd 9041) which spells out actions in the event of an accident occurring in either country which could have radiological consequences for the other.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has about recent problems involving welding defects in the nuclear steam supply systems of pressurised water reactors in France and other countries.
§ Mr. GoodladI have asked Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate to reply to the hon. Member.