HC Deb 10 February 1988 vol 127 cc286-7W
Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the dispersal of radioactive waste under the sea and the use of sub-duction zones.

Mrs. Roe

The disposal of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste in a repository under the seabed, either with access from a tunnel from the shore or from an offshore structure, are two of the options currently being considered by UK Nirex Ltd. No consideration has been given by Nirex to the use of sub-duction zones for radioactive waste disposal.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on co-operation with, and provision of information and documentation for, the European Parliament special commission of inquiry on problems of nuclear waste and materials management and transport in the European Economic Community member states.

Mrs. Roe

I am happy to co-operate with the European Parliamentary committee of inquiry appointed to investigate activities at the Belgian nuclear centre at Mo1.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the proportional increase in the volumes of solid nuclear waste arising at Sellafield from the full operation of the site iron exchange plant.

Mrs. Roe

Less than 5 per cent.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what communication he has had with the European Commissioners for Energy and Environmental Affairs over the Commission's internal inquiry over recent problems of handling nuclear waste and its transport in the EEC.

Mrs. Roe

None, but I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy has been consulted by the European Commission about United Kingdom participation at a meeting of nuclear experts.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment by what proportion the volume of nuclear waste is expected to increase annually over present annual production when the thermal oxide reprocessing plant is commissioned for full operation.

Mrs. Roe

The volumes of untreated high, intermediate and solid low level nuclear wastes arising at Sellafield are expected to increase by 160 per cent. 40 per cent. and 40 per cent. respectively over present annual production when the thermal oxide reprocessing plant is commissioned for full operation.

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