§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies have been conducted into the long-term safety of high level liquid nuclear waste tanks at British Nuclear Fuels plc, Sellafield; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI have been asked to reply.
Studies have been completed by BNF plc on the reliability of high active waste tanks. A paper on the subject was published at the fourth European reliability data conference. I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.
For the future the company plans to remove liquid waste from the tanks for vitrification. Construction of a vitrification plant is nearing completion.
§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what physical protection systems exist against possible terrorist attacks on the high level liquid waste tanks at British Nuclear Fuels plc, Sellafield; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI have been asked to reply.
Such systems are in place. It would not be prudent to publish details.