HC Deb 20 May 1994 vol 243 cc602-3W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which type of commercial container is to be used in the short term for the transport of used fuel cores from naval reactors; how many containers have been or will be ordered; and what proportion of a naval used fuel core can be transported in one container.

Mr. Aitken

The two commercial containers will be supplied by Nuclear Transport Ltd. suitably licensed for the transportation of naval nuclear used fuel. It is not our practice to comment on the proportion of a naval fuel core transported in containers, though fewer fuel elements will be carried compared to the previous used core transportation packages.

Mr. Bill Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when a contract will be placed for the design and procurement of purpose-built containers for the transport of used fuel cores from the naval reactors; when these containers are likely to enter service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 25 March, 1994,Official Report, column 469.

Mr. Bill Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes to procedure for loading containers at the royal dockyards and at HMS Vulcan following the introduction of the use of existing commercial containers to transport used fuel cores from naval reactors; and what increase in the radiation doses received by service and civilian personnel will result; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

The use of the commercial containers will not result in a change in general procedures. However, given the different size and geometry compared to the previous used core transportation packages some detailed changes will be necessary. No increase in radiation doses received by service and civilian personnel is expected.

Mr. Bill Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when existing commercial containers will be introduced for the transport of used fuel cores from naval reactors; and from which site or sites they will be transporting used fuel cores.

Mr. Aitken

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 25 March 1994,Official Report, column 469. The containers will be used to transport used fuel from Devonport, Rosyth and the Naval Reactor Test Establishment, Dounreay.