HC Deb 17 June 1988 vol 135 cc342-3W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications of the report, "Environmental Monitoring and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes from United States Naval Nuclear-Powered Ships and their Support Facilities, 1987," by J. J. Mageno, J. M. Steele and L. F. Poletti, for the United States Navy Department naval nuclear propulsion unit, report NT-88–1, published February 1988, for the long-term management of Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines.

Mr. Sainsbury

The report concludes that United States navy procedures to control the release of radioactivity are effective in protecting the environment and the health and safety of the general public. It therefore has no bearing on the long-term management of Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines. However, the Royal Navy's maintenance, operation and safety standards are no less exacting and no less effective in protecting the environment. As a consequence, there has never been an incident involving such submarines which has posed any radiological hazard to service men, base personnel, or members of the public.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the expenditure to date, and what is the expected expenditure to be incurred over the next 50 years, towards the decommissioning of nuclear-powered submarines of the Royal Navy.

Mr. Sainsbury

Much of the work to date on the disposal of decommissioned nuclear submarines has been undertaken as part of more wide-ranging planning for the defuelling, de-equipping and refitting of nuclear submarines. The expenditure on the disposal of decommissioned nuclear submarines over the next 50 years will depend on the method of disposal ultimately chosen.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies have been conducted by his Department on the radiological implications of decommissioning nuclear-propelled submarines.

Mr. Sainsbury

Studies of the preparation of nuclear submarines for disposal, including the radiological impact on the work force, have been completed. A study of the radiological impact on the environment of the disposal of decommissioned nuclear submarines is currently under way.