§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to reduce liquid discharges from the Sellafield plant; [45866]
(2) what account the Environment Agency is taking of the levels of technetium 99 in (a) seaweed and (b) lobsters in the Solway Firth in setting discharge authorisation levels for the Sellafield plant; [45867]
(3) if he will make a statement on the relationship between current levels of radiation from technetium 99 in the Solway Firth and EU intervention levels; [45868]
(4) what steps he intends to take to reduce radiation levels arising from technetium 99 in the Solway Firth. [45869]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 17 June 1998]The Environment Agency is currently considering the responses received from a recent public consultation into the application by British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) for variations to the discharge authorisations for the Sellafield site. In determining these applications, all relevant factors will be taken into account. We have reiterated to the Environment Agency that we wish to see progressive reductions in discharges and discharge limits at Sellafield, and this includes technetium-99. The Agency has proposed substantial reductions in the discharge limits for technetium-99 and a legal requirement on BNFL to develop abatement technology for this radionuclide. A number of requests have been made for the Secretary of State to call the applications in for his own determination. These requests are under consideration.
Community Food Intervention Levels are intended for use only in the event of a nuclear accident or emergency when the health impacts may be very uncertain.