§ Mr. John GarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will call for a report from Her Majesty's chief inspector of nuclear installations on his decision with respect to the use of ultrasonic methods to inspect reactor welds at Bradwell nuclear power station.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerInspections of the pressure circuit are part of the normal examinations carried out at each regular biennial inspection as required under the site licence. The Health and Safety Executive has accepted the Central Electricity Generating Board's proposal for a combination of ultrasonic and visual inspections as part of the programme of work during the shutdown of Bradwell for its biennial inspection.
The nuclear installations inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive will review the results of the inspections as they proceed. The nuclear installations inspectorate's consent will be required before the reactor can be restarted.