§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether one or more of the VVER 440 nuclear reactors in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, which have been condemned by the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA), is likely to explode and cast radioactive debris over Europe long before the damage done by Chernobyl has been eradicated; whether the IAEA has recommended the closure of any of these and, if so, which, and what action is being taken.
§ Lord Cavendish of FurnessThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has carried out safety review missions at the VVER 440 type 230 nuclear power plants at Bohunice (Czechoslovakia), Kozloduy (Bulgaria) and Novovoronezh and Kola (Soviet Union). These missions have resulted in recommendations to the countries concerned on measures needed to improve safety and which will reduce the risk of severe accident. The responsibility for the safe operation of their nuclear plant lies with the countries concerned. However, in the case of Kozloduy, which was judged to be the plant most in need (31' aid, an emergency assistance programme is being co-ordinated by the European Commission aimed at improving the safety of the Kozloduy reactor; and assisting the safety authorities in Bulgaria. The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) already has a team on site and has contributed to a wide range of measures to improve safety. The European Community technical assistance programme for the Soviet Union is also giving priority to work to improve the safety of VVER 230 reactors.