§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the disposal of shore and long-lived intermediate-level radioactive waste from the nuclear submarine decommissioning programme in the event that the planned construction of a nuclear waste repository by Nirex in Cumbria is delayed. [40511]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotAny intermediate-level waste removed during the de-fuelling, de-equipping and lay-up preparation of the submarine would continue to be stored on-site in suitably licensed facilities until such time as a long-term disposal route became available. The perceived final disposal route remains the deep repository being developed by Nirex early next century. This is kept under review to take account of technical and other developments.