§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what precautions currently required by his Department apply in respect of the transport of(a) plutonium, (b) other radioactive materials and (c) polychlorinated biphenyls by air; what plans he has to introduce more stringent measures; and if he will make a statement. [12214]
§ Mr. Bowis[holding answer 27 January 1997]: United Kingdom legislation requires that all dangerous goods carried by air, including radioactive materials, and thus plutonium and PCBs, must comply with the very stringent standards and requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation's "Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air", which are updated biennially. This legislation, enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority, ensures that the UK fulfils its safety obligations under the convention on civil aviation. The technical instructions set the standards for the classification, packing, marking, labelling and documentation of all dangerous goods. We intend to continue with our current policy of requiring compliance with the up-to-date edition of the technical instructions.