§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations govern the transport of nuclear fuel and fuel flasks; if he has any plans to review these regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MooreThe regulations and conditions for the transport in this country of all radioactive materials (including nuclear fuel) are based on the internationally accepted standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety series No. 6. A copy is held in the Library. For United Kingdom road consignments these are given effect by the following
The Radioactive Substances (Carriage by Road) Great Britain Regulations 1974 (S.I. 1974 No. 1735) and Amendment Regulations 1985 (S.I. 1985 No. 1729).The Radioactive Substances (Carriage by Road) Northern Ireland Regulations 1983 (S.R. 1983 No. 344) and Amendment Regulations 1986 (S.R. 1986 No. 61).For rail consignments:
British Rail List of Dangerous Goods (LDG) and Conditions of acceptance by Freight train and Passenger Train or Similar Service (1977 Edition).For Sea:
The Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1981 (S.1. 1981 No. 1747).For Air:
The Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1985 (S.1. 1985 No. 1939).The above regulations are currently being revised to take account of the 1985 edition of IAEA regulations. In addition, the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 (S.I. 1985 No. 1333) apply to all modes of transport.