HC Deb 11 May 1990 vol 172 cc239-40W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether future maintenance work at Chapelcross and Calder Hall has any implications for levels of radiation exposure for workers; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what steps are being taken to reduce radiation exposure to workers at Chapelcross and Calder Hall; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

British Nuclear Fuels plc has a programme of measures designed to reduce radiation doses to workers at the Calder Hall and Chapelcross nuclear installations. The Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate's assessment of British Nuclear Fuel's latest long term safety reviews of the two installations requires British Nuclear Fuel to review radiation doses to its workers, to agree improvements, and to make arrangements to consider progress annually with the nuclear installations inspectorate. The nuclear installations inspectorate's assessment recognised that maintenance operations are a major contributor to radiation exposure.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list those representations he received in favour of extending the operational life of Chapelcross and Calder Hall nuclear power stations, prior to that decision being announced;

(2) if he will list those representations he has received in favour of and against extending the operational life of Chapelcross and Calder Hall nuclear power stations, subsequent to that decision being announced.

Mr. Baldry

I have received no such representations.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is the purpose of extending the operational life of Chapelcross and Calder Hall nuclear power stations; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what is the estimated cost of (a) a second emergency shutdown system, (b) improved seismic protection and (c) improved leak detection in respect of (a) Chapelcross and (b) Calder Hall nuclear power stations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

This is an operational matter for British Nuclear Fuels plc.