HC Deb 15 December 1994 vol 251 cc751-2W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with British Nuclear Fuels plc since April on the legal requirements relating to the level of insurance against nuclear accidents.

Mr. Charles Wardle

DTI officials are in regular contact with British Nuclear Fuel plc on a range of matters.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to end the 30 years restriction on claiming of compensation under the existing nuclear insurance arrangements by anyone developing adverse medical problems attributable to contamination from a nuclear accident.

Mr. Charles Wardle

None. The 32-year time limit for claims in the United Kingdom legislation is longer than is required by international conventions.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements exist under the nuclear insurance provisions to provide for compensation to pay for environmental restoration in the event of a nuclear accident involving the significant release of radioactivity; and what plans he has to extend them.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Under United Kingdom law, the cost of environment restoration would be recoverable, where there is damage to property, in accordance with normal civil law principles as to the assessment of damages.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to reassess the level of insurance arrangements covering third party liability for compensation in the event of an accident at a nuclear facility.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The level of insurance for third party liability required to be held by nuclear operators is kept under review. The limit was most recently increased on 1 April this year to meet the internationally agreed target limit for parties to the Paris convention.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has held since April with the insurance industry as to the adequacy of the present upper limits of insurance cover in connection with liability for nuclear accidents.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The limits are kept under review. DTI officials have contact with the insurance industry from time to time.