HC Deb 04 November 1998 vol 318 cc564-5W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which bodies in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) abroad, have been consulted as part of the departmental project on high level nuclear waste and spent fuel disposal strategy; and what is the total expected cost of the project. [57101]

Mr. Meale

The High Level Waste and Spent Fuel Disposal Research Project is due to end in Spring 1999. The aim of this two year study is to identify the research strategy that would be required in order to pursue disposal of high level waste and spent fuel. Its results will be used to inform the development of policy on radioactive waste management and will be subject to full public consultation. An interim report has been reviewed by the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee.

The Department is assisted in its management of the project by a Management Board where the following bodies are represented:

  • The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
  • Nuclear Electric Limited
  • Scottish Nuclear Limited
  • Magnox Electric Plc
  • British Electric Fuels Plc
  • UKAEA
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Environment Agency
  • Scottish Environment Protection Agency
  • Health and Safety Executive
  • Department of Trade and Industry
  • Scottish Office
  • Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee
  • The Royal Society
  • United Kingdom Nirex Limited (on a co-opted basis).

Relevant bodies in a number of countries with programmes on high level waste and spent fuel disposal have been contacted from time to time on particular issues.

The initial contract for the project was advertised in the Official Journal of the EC on 28 July 1995. The total maximum liability for the work is £432,731.00 (including VAT).

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what involvement the United Kingdom has in the EC programme on concerted action on retrievability of deposited radioactive waste. [57183]

Mr. Meale

United Kingdom Nirex Ltd. (Nirex) is participating, along with its counterparts from seven other EU countries, in the European Commission Concerted Action on the Retrievability of Long Lived Radioactive Waste Disposed in Deep Underground Repositories. Nirex is providing technical expertise to support the objective of the projectto establish a clear interpretation and working definition of the concept of retrievability".