HC Deb 16 June 1997 vol 296 cc41-2W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the specifications of the packaging used for(a) surface transport of radioactive material, (b) air-shipment of radioactive material and (c) flight data recorders. [3134]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Packages used for air and surface transport of radioactive material are expected to meet a series of performance standards, which are to be found in the document published by the International Atomic Energy Agency entitled "Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material 1985 Edition (As Amended 1990)" a copy of which is in the library. The standards are accepted world-wide and are the same for all modes of transport.

There is no set specification for flight data recorders, this is left to the authorities of individual countries. However the latest standard to be applied in the UK is contained in the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment specification ED-55 "Minimum Operational Specification for Flight Data Recorder Systems", a copy of which will be placed in the library.

Dr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many consignments of MOX fuel been transported by air in the United Kingdom in the last 12 months; and what type of packaging was used. [3133]

Ms Jackson

There have been five such consignments within the last 12 months. All the consignments were carried in Type B packages, approved and certificated for use within the United Kingdom, in accordance with UK statutory requirements.

Dr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the implementation date of the new IAEA recommendations on the transport of radioactive material. [3132]

Ms Jackson

In order to keep its domestic legislation governing the transport of radioactive material in line with international modal regulations, the UK plans to use the implementation dates to be set by the relevant international modal organizations. The secretariats of the relevant organizations have agreed to recommend a common implementation date of 1 January 2001.