HC Deb 26 November 1986 vol 106 c274W
Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further training exercises for emergencies at Torness nuclear power station are required by Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate before commissioning is due to be completed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

One further full demonstration exercise at Torness power station is required by Her Majesty's Nuclear Installation's Inspectorate during commissioning. The South of Scotland Electricity Board will also carry out any other demonstrations of emergency arrangements deemed necessary by Her Majesty's Nuclear Installation's Inspectorate before commissioning is complete.

Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what training exercises for emergencies have been held at Torness nuclear power station in the presence of one or more inspectors of Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate; what was the date and the nature of each exercise; and what reports have been made by inspectors.

Mr. Lang

A team of inspectors from Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate observed a demonstration of the Torness nuclear power station emergency arrangments on 18 September 1986. Formal comments on the exercise were made by the inspectorate and these are being acted upon.

Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the simulators being used for training of management and staff at Torness nuclear power station (a) accurately reflect the behaviour of reactors, boilers and turbines of Torness power station and (b) are used to provide training for management and staff on fault condition specific to the period of commissioning; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

I am advised by the South of Scotland Electricity Board that Torness staff have received training on the AGR simulator at the CEGB nuclear power training centre at Oldbury. This simulator is generically characteristic of all AGRs and can demonstrate the fundamental principles of performance during fault conditions including those which may occur during commissioning.