§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will outline the responsibilities of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in respect of discharge of radioactive waste to the public sewers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierHer Majesty's inspectorate of pollution regulates the disposal of all radioactive waste, including discharges to the public sewerage system, by means of authorisations issued under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 (RSA 60). These authorisations impose strict conditions and activity limits, set at levels which ensure proper protection from such disposals for members of the public, sewerage workers and the environment. In all cases, proper and detailed records must be maintained by disposers. These records and the premises concerned are subject to scrutiny by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution inspectors under powers contained in section 12 of RSA 60, to ensure compliance with the terms of certificates of authorisation issued.