§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors, indicating those which are in operation. [88398]
§ Mr. BattleThe RBMK (Chernobyl-type) nuclear reactors of which we are aware are Chernobyl 1–2, Chernobyl 3*, Ignalina 1, Ignalina 2*, Kursk 1–4*, Kursk 5 (under construction), Leningrad (Sosnovy Bor) 1–4* and Smolensk 1–3*. Those marked with an asterix are in operation.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the safety of remaining Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors; and if he will make a statement on programmes of remedial action to which Her Majesty's Government have contributed. [88397]
§ Mr. BattleThe UK continues to work with our G7 and European partners to improve nuclear safety in the countries concerned. This is undertaken through a number of multilateral assistance programmes funded through the G7 Nuclear Safety Account (NSA), International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) Technical Co-operation Programme and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development managed Chernobyl Shelter Fund. The UK also funds a bilateral programme of activities through its Nuclear Safety and Health Budget which is administered by the DTI.
The most recent assessment of the safety of Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors was undertaken in June at the IAEA in Vienna where there was a meeting of strengthening nuclear safety in Eastern Europe. All nuclear countries who operate Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors (RBMK) attended along with leading international organisations that provide nuclear safety assistance to them. The meeting concluded that there is no question that considerable progress on nuclear safety has been made in 34W Eastern Europe and in their operation of nuclear power plants where they have demonstrated clear progress in operational safety improvements.
Papers distributed at the meeting and copies of the presentations can be accessed through the IAEA website.