HC Deb 29 April 1996 vol 276 cc363-4W
Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice he has received from the nuclear installations inspectorate on the pre-commencement safety report for the divestment of the A59 active handling team; and if NII approval of the safety case for the divestment is required. [27003]

Mr. Page

Responsibility for safety of United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority operations is a matter for UKAEA. I would not normally expect to receive advice from the NII on day-to-day safety matters and it has not raised any concerns with me on this case. The safety implications of the arrangement are being considered by UKAEA, the licensed operator, and the NII in accordance with normal licensing procedures.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the recorded safety incidents and the related costs which occurred during the execution of the contract by Wastechem to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor. [27037]

Mr. Page

There were no ministerially reportable incidents during the conduct of this contract. Detailed questions about safety issues and costs are an operational matter for UKAEA. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) which companies were shortlisted to bid for the work associated with the A59 active handling building at Winfrith; [27001]

(2) what sums were paid to Wastechem to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor; [27041]

(3) what was (a) the contracted time agreed with Wastechem and (b) the actual time taken to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor; [27036]

(4) what percentage of the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor was decontaminated by Wastechem to the level specified in the contract; and what was the cost of the storage and disposal of the remainder; [27038]

(5) for what reasons (a) AEA Technology was not permitted to bid and (b) the British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. bid was rejected for the work associated with the A59 active handling building at Winfrith; [27002]

(6) what time scale was given in the bid by Wastechem for the work specified in the invitation to tender for the A59 active handling divestment at Winfrith; what representations he has received from United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority that the time scale be extended; and what estimate he has made of the cost of that extension; [27004]

(7) what estimate he has made of the savings from placing the contract for the A59 active handling divestment contract with Wastechem over undertaking the work on an in-house basis; [27005]

(8) what were the contract prices submitted by (a) Wastechem and (b) AEA Technology to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor; [27040]

(9) what savings were achieved by awarding the contract to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor to Wastechem; [27035]

(10) if he will make a statement on the claim made by Wastechem against the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in connection with the decontamination of the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor and the amount of the settlement reached. [27039]

Mr. Page

These are operational matters for UKAEA. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.