§ Mr. Frank Cookasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if, in relation to Hartlepool nuclear power station, his Department will conduct an inquiry into (a) measures to ensure that in the event of an accident in severe weather conditions, emergency service personnel do not spend sufficient time within the disaster area to receive a fatal radiation dose and (b) the effects of such weather conditions on the mobility of fire engines; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of current arrangements for a nuclear accident;
(2) what assessment has been made as to whether, under severe weather conditions, the emergency plan for Hartlepool nuclear power station could be successfully extended beyond the immediate area for which a detailed plan exists in the event of a worst case reactor accident; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladIn view of the numerous protective measures and safeguards embodied in the design, construction and operation of nuclear plant in the United Kingdom the likelihood of an accident of such severity that significant doses of radiation would be received by any onsite personnel is extremely remote.
It is for the relevant emergency services themselves to ensure their capability for responding to any civil contingency within the added difficulties which severe weather conditions would impose.