HC Deb 16 July 1990 vol 176 cc452-3W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now rescind permission for the discharge of radioactive waste into the River Thames.

Mr. Trippier

The levels of radioactive waste in the Thames are extremely low. Drinking water derived from the Thames contains levels of radioactivity well below those limits recommended by the World Health Organisation and the International Commission on Radiological Protection. As a consequence the risk to health is negligible and there is no reason to discontinue the present disposal arrangements to the River Thames.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many sites are currently under consideration by Nirex for a repository for intermediate-level and low-level radioactive waste; if he will name those sites; and if he will list the sites that are on any reserve list for consideration.

Mr. Trippier

Site investigations for a repository for low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste are currently under way in the vicinity of Sellafield and Dounreay. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no information about consideration by Nirex of any other sites.