HC Deb 29 June 1998 vol 315 cc48-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations she held with(a) environment pressure groups, (b) local authority interest groups, (c) academic experts and (d) the Socialist Environment and Resources Association prior to her decision on the phased closure of Dounreay. [45774]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 17 June 1998]: My Department regularly receives and welcomes views from interested groups and individuals on a range of issues. In addition, I recently addressed the Socialist Environment and Resources Association. Nothing is more important than safety in all operations on nuclear licensed sites. Within this overriding requirement, the particular decision to accept no new commercial reprocessing at Dounreay was taken on economic grounds after considering the recommendation from the UKAEA.