Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the outcome of the International Atomic Energy Agency operational safety review team's visit to the Oldbury nuclear power plant; and what access to operational data in regard to plutonium production and dispatch was afforded to the Soviet inspector on the visit.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe principal conclusion of the International Atomic Energy Agency's operational safety review team (OSART) team was that the Oldbury nuclear power station is being operated at a high level of safety. The team also drew attention to a large number of other praiseworthy features, including the high degree of professionalism of station management and staff. They also considered that the plant was well prepared to respond to emergencies.
When the IAEA has finalised its report on the mission, I shall arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.
Data on the plutonium content of irradiated fuel is held at each station and is published annually by my Department. The Soviet member of the OSART team would have been allowed access to such data but in the event he did not ask to see it.