HC Deb 25 July 1990 vol 177 c231W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department intends to review the guidelines for the transport of low-level radioactive waste from(a) commercial sources, (b) nuclear industry sources and (c) military sources; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

The transport of all radioactive materials must be made in compliance with regulations based on internationally agreed safety standards laid down by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These standards are subject to continual review.

The Advisory Committee on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials (ACTRAM) recently carried out a study on the transport of this material. The results were published in 1988 entitled "The Transport of Low Level Waste in the UK". A copy has been placed in the Library.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total volume of radioactive waste transported by(a) road, (b) rail and (c) air in each year since 1983.

Mr. Chope

The information requested is not available.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents involving the transport of low-level radioactive waste have occurred in each year since 1983.

Mr. Chope

There have been three accidents to vehicles carrying low-level radioactive waste since 1964.