HC Deb 26 April 1991 vol 189 cc621-2W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what British nuclear expert assistance has been offered by the Government to the Soviet atomic energy authorities managing the Chernobyl sarcophagus to obviate the threat of radioactive dust pollution.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

I understand that the Soviet Union has not requested any assistance from the United Kingdom Government in respect of this matter. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom is prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any such requests.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many scientists from(a) his Department, (b) the nuclear installations inspectorate and (c) the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, respectively, have visited the Chernobyl reactor complex since 1986.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

I understand that the information requested is as follows:

  1. (a) no scientists from my Department have visited the Chernobyl reactor complex;
  2. (b) two principal inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate have made such visits;
  3. (c) six scientists from the Atomic Energy Authority have made such visits.

In addition, since the accident, members of both the nuclear installations inspectorate and the Atomic Energy Authority have made visits to the Soviet Union to further collaboration on various aspects of nuclear safety. The United Kingdom has also participated in discussions held under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency.