§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to ensure that the population groups most at risk from British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. plants at(a) Capenhurst and (b) Sellafield in the case of an emergency are correctly identified; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe population groups potentially at risk from an emergency at a civil nuclear plant in the United Kingdom are identified as being within a planning zone surrounding each plant. The boundary of this zone is defined in relation to the accident with the greatest off-site consequences which can reasonably be predicted given the design of the plant, its protective systems and its operating limits. Within the zone, detailed emergency plans are prepared to protect the public.
Documents outlining the emergency arrangements at Sellafield and Capenhurst have been placed in local public libraries. Population groups within the planning zone for Sellafield have also been informed of the action they would be advised to take in the event of an emergency in a leaflet prepared and distributed to them by the local community liaison committee for the Sellafield site. A similar leaflet will shortly be distributed within the zone for Capenhurst.