§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to implement the decision taken by the International Maritime Organisation in December 1997 to make mandatory the INF code for120W the safe carriage of irradiated nuclear fuel, plutonium and high-level radioactive waste in flasks on board ships; and if he will make a statement on the implications for the safety arrangements for such nuclear shipments of implementation of the INF code. [27987]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWhile the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has decided to make the INF Code mandatory, the work to give effect to this decision has yet to be completed. The Government support the IMO' s decision and are participating actively in the work to implement it.
In the meantime, compliance with the INF Code remains voluntary. However, UK registered ships engaged in the carriage of relevant cargoes have documents of compliance issued by my Department's Marine Safety Agency. All foreign ships carrying INF Code materials to or from the UK have had similar documents issued by the appropriate maritime administration.
Making the code mandatory will ensure that all ships engaged in the trade meet the high safety standards currently met by UK ships and will enhance our enforcement powers.
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what quantities of radioactive waste have been returned to Spain since 1980 as a result of the processing of uranium-contaminated filter papers for the Spanish National Uranium Company; what forms of transport have been used for these shipments; how many such shipments have taken place; and what indication he has received as to plans by BNFL to increase the imports of such uranium residues. [27990]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe commercial and operational arrangements between BNFL and its customers are a matter for the companies involved, subject to meeting the relevant regulatory requirements. However, I understand from BNFL that they do provide a service to a number of customers for the recovery of uranium residues from various materials. I am satisfied that the transport of these materials and the return of any wastes are carried out in accordance with the appropriate regulations.
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith), of 4 November 1997,Official Report, column 147, concerning the International Atomic Energy Agency annual general conference, what indication he has received as to when the report on the transport of radioactive materials will be available from the International Atomic Energy Agency. [28227]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAs called for in IAEA General Conference resolution GC(41)/RES/12, the IAEA report on legally binding and non-binding instruments and regulations concerning the safe transport of radioactive material is expected to be available for the 8–12 June 1998 meeting of the Board of Governors. The usual practice is for Board documents to be circulated to Member States of the Agency approximately one month in advance of the meeting.
Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government has to construct a long-term underground storage facility for radioactive waste. [28277]
121W
§ Angela EagleThe Government have been considering radioactive waste management in the light of the former Secretary of State's decision to dismiss Nirex's appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a rock characterisation facility at Longlands Farm, near Sellafield. The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology has now started an inquiry into nuclear waste management. The Government will want to see the Select Committee's report, which is expected in the summer, and to undertake widespread consultation, before coming to a firm view about the construction of a long term underground storage facility for radioactive waste.