§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list by location the number of nuclear reactors that are awaiting pressure vessel temperature gauge replacements to date; what was the position on(a) I January and (b) 30 June of this year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryThe question of maintenance requirements for reactor pressure vessel temperature gauges is a matter for the operators of nuclear reactors. Every nuclear reactor pressure vessel in the United Kingdom has a large number of temperature monitoring gauges—thermocouples—many more than are necessary for safe operation. The Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate is satisfied that adequate monitoring of temperature in the pressure vessel does not depend upon all gauges being operative. However, if the NII were not satisfied as to the adequacy of monitoring it would prohibit continued operation of the reactor until the matter had been rectified to its satisfaction.