§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what environmental impact assessments have been conducted(a) on the storage of separated plutonium at (i) Sellafield and (ii) Dounreay and (b) on the transport of plutonium by air in (x) metal, (y) oxide and (z) nitrate solution forms from and to (1) Carlisle, (2) Wick, (3) Herne and (4) other airports licensed to handle plutonium cargoes. [1817]
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§ Mr. ClappisonThe plutonium stores at Sellafield and Dounreay were constructed prior to the introduction of the 1985 Council directive on the Assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (85/337/EEC)—the environmental impact assessment directive. Questions on the transport of radioactive materials are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with(a) his Japanese counterpart, and (b) Japanese officials about the environmental appraisal of the interim storage of plutonium separated from reprocessed Japanese spent fuel at Sellafield; and what contribution (i) the Environment Directorate of the European Commission, (ii) the Health and Safety Directorate of the European Commission and (iii) the Health and Safety Department of EURATON made to the environmental assessment of plutonium storage at (1) Sellafield and (2) Dounreay. [1832]
§ Mr. Clappison[holding answer 4 November 1996]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has had no consultations with Japanese Ministers or officials about the interim storage of plutonium separated from reprocessed Japanese spent fuel at Sellafield. All nuclear sites, including Sellafield and Dounreay, are subject to regulations governing health and safety, the protection of the environment and the safeguarding of nuclear materials. Questions about the contribution made by the European Commission should be referred to the Commission itself.