HC Deb 14 February 1989 vol 147 c125W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy to ask Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate to conduct a review of corrosion and cracking problems at the Central Electricity Generating Board nuclear plants at Heysham, Hartlepool and Dungeness B.

Mr. Michael Spicer

These are issues which the Health and Safety Executive takes fully into account as part of its duties.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will request Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate to conduct a study of the tolerability of risk to United Kingdom citizens of the French nuclear power programme, in particular those plants sited on the Channel.

Mr. Michael Spicer

No. The safety of French nuclear installations is a matter for their regulatory authorities. I have no reason to doubt that French nuclear safety standards are as high as those in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, in proposing a stringent level for societal risk, HSE was fully aware of the possibility of accidents outside the United Kingdom.