HC Deb 11 November 1996 vol 285 c5W
Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to change regulations concerning emissions of radioactive(a) material and (b) waste. [3198]

Mr. Clappison

The Secretary of State has no plans to change regulations concerning emissions of radioactive material or waste. Discharges of radioactive substances are regulated by the Environment Agency under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (as amended).

Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what monitoring has been undertaken by his Department into emissions of technetium 99 from sites in the United Kingdom [3197]

Mr. Clappison

Monitoring levels of radioactivity in the environment is the responsibility of the nuclear operators; the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Environment Agency also carry out routine monitoring. The most recent MAFF monitoring report, "Radioactivity in Food and the Environment", is being published today by my right hon. and learned friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions his Department has had with(a) Directorate-General XI and (b) other departments of the European Commission regarding discharges of technetium 99 from Sellafield; and if he will make a statement. [3199]

Mr. Clappison

Officials in my Department have discussions with the European Commission from time to time on various matters relating to radioactivity. These discussions have encompassed consideration of discharges from Sellafield, including discharges of technetium-99.

The latest monitoring report, "Radioactivity in Food and the Environment", addressing levels of radioactivity in both the terrestrial and marine environment, is being published today by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Discharges of radioactive wastes from sites including Sellafield are strictly regulated by the Environment Agency to ensure that such discharges pose no unacceptable risks to members of the public in the UK or elsewhere. The UK remains committed to meeting all of its international obligations.