HC Deb 04 June 1997 vol 295 cc197-8W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what licensing and planning arrangements are planned to govern the transfer of Magnox power stations from operational to decommissioned status. [1783]

Mr. Meacher

Licensing of civil nuclear sites under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (as amended) is a continuous process, from when a licence is granted until decommissioning is complete and the site presents no danger. There is no need, therefore, for any changes to the licensing regime as Magnox power stations transfer from operational to decommissioned status. Nuclear operators are required under the licence to agree detailed plans for decommissioning their plant with the Health and Safety Executive's HM Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

Under Directive 97/11/EC, which amends Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, an environmental impact assessment will be required specially for the decommissioning of nuclear power stations. The new Directive is due to be implemented by March 1999.