§ Mr. Lofthouseasked the Secretary of State for Energy what effect he estimates the limited resources and understaffing of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate identified by the Chief Inspector in evidence to the Energy Committee on 6 May have on (a) the safety of nuclear installations and (b) the development of the nuclear industry.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe legal responsibility for the safety of a nuclear installation lies with the site operator. The responsibility of the NII is to see that appropriate standards are developed, achieved and maintained by the licensee to ensure that the necessary safety precautions are taken and to monitor and regulate the safety of the plant by means of its powers under the licence.
Although the NII has had staffing shortages, it has nonetheless been able to maintain the required standards 412W of safety, by giving priority to the inspection and assessment of operating plant, but with the consequent risk of some delay to other projects. However, following a special salary increase a recruitment campaign is now under way which is expected to bring the NII up to full strength.
§ Mr. Lofthouseasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the recommendations contained in paragraph 17 of the second report and paragraph 3 of the third special report of the Energy Committee, Session 1986–87, with regard to the implications for the nuclear industry of the understaffing of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.
§ Mr. CopeI have been asked to reply.
Two substantial increases in the salary scales for all nuclear installations inspectors have recently been agreed and it is expected that this will enable the inspectorate to attract recruits with the expertise and skills required and to bring its staff up to the numbers planned for 1987–88. A recruitment competition is now under way.