HC Deb 11 May 1989 vol 152 cc478-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what actions have been taken to improve nuclear safety nationally and internationally by Her Majesty's Government since the Chernobyl accident on 26 April 1986.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The United Kingdom has maintained a high level of safety over 30 years of civil nuclear power production. The Government are committed to continuing this and have made available the resources to ensure it.

On plans for dealing with a possible nuclear accident in the United Kingdom, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Merionnyd Nant Conwy (Dr. Thomas) on 12 December 1988 at column 391.

Internationally, the United Kingdom has encouraged the exchange of information and ideas on nuclear safety, in particular between operators and between regulators. The International Atomic Energy Agency is the prime forum for such exchange, but there have also been bilateral exchanges; Her Majesty's chief inspector of nuclear installations last month visited Moscow for meetings with his Russian counterpart.

There have been IAEA and EC initiatives on actions to be followed in the event of nuclear accidents. Two IAEA conventions—on the early notification of nuclear accidents and on mutual assistance in the case of a nuclear accident—were concluded in 1986. Similar arrangements for the notification of accidents have been agreed within the EC and the United Kingdom has bilateral agreements with a number of countries. Member states of the EC have agreed other measures to be implemented in the event of an accident, such as those on the contamination of foodstuffs.

As further encouragement for the international exchange of safety awareness and information, the World Association of Nuclear Operators has been formed, and will meet later this month in Moscow under the chairmanship of Lord Marshall of Goring.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what departmental representation including papers for presentation, will be made at the eleventh annual symposium on safeguards and nuclear material management in Luxembourg on 30 May to 1 June 1989.

Mr. Michael Spicer

One member of my Department will be attending the symposium.