HC Deb 23 June 1998 vol 314 cc439-40W
Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what will be the Government's policy at the Portuguese conference on nuclear discharges, with particular reference to Sellafield and Dounreay discharges into the sea. [46358]

Mr. Meacher

We are looking to make real further progress in protecting the marine environment, and in particular to reach agreement on a strategy that aims to continue reducing sea discharges of radioactive substances.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy towards nuclear discharges into the sea. [46359]

Mr. Meacher

All radioactive waste disposals, including discharges into the sea, are closely regulated under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Government departments and the environment agencies carry out monitoring of marine environmental media and foodstuffs around nuclear licensed sites that discharge radioactive waste into the sea. This ensures that any doses to the public are well below internationally agreed limits and that such discharges pose no risk to the environment.