HC Deb 19 July 1989 vol 157 c209W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines and safeguards exist to control the disposal of radioactive wastes together with domestic wastes on local authority landfill sites.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Small amounts of low-level solid radioactive wastes are authorised under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 for disposal with ordinary domestic refuse. Strict limits and conditions are contained in certificates of authorisation issued under the Act to ensure that such disposals present no hazard to the public, to the refuse collectors or at the disposal site.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the availability of anti-static devices containing polonium 210 in the United Kingdom in the light of their withdrawal in the United States of America because of radioactive contamination.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Anti-static devices containing polonium 210 imported from the United States have been withdrawn in the United Kingdom. A United Kingdom manufacturer currently supplies most devices now used in this country. These devices are robust and there is no evidence of radioactive contamination.