HC Deb 04 December 2001 vol 376 cc285-6W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which(a) ports and (b) airports are permitted to handle radioactive material; and what checks are in place to ensure the appropriate level of security applies to cargoes carried. [20174]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 3 December 2001]All ports and airports can handle radioactive materials subject to the provisions of the relevant regulations.

The security of radioactive material in transport is ensured through a range of measures and checks appropriate to the nature of material and the mode of transport.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the Government's policy is on allowing an unlimited number of movements of radioactive material by(a) ship, (b) rail and (c) air provided safety standards are met. [20173]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 3 December 2001]Transport of radioactive material is permitted subject to regulations based on the standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the appropriate modal authorities. These standards are reviewed on a regular basis and set in order to ensure an adequate level of safety. By doing so appropriate limits are placed on the transport of radioactive material

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his policy is on allowing movement of radioactive material(a) through the channel tunnel and (b) on passenger ferries; and if he will make a statement. [20172]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 3 December 2001]Transport of radioactive material is permitted subject to regulations based on the standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the appropriate modal authorities.

(a) The transport of radioactive materials through the channel tunnel is only authorised through Eurotunnel Freight after agreement between the manufacturer/producer of the radioactive material and Eurotunnel.

(b) The carriage of radioactive materials on passenger ships is regulated by the provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) of the International Maritime Organization.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many aeroplane flights in UK airspace carried(a) high-level,(b) intermediate level and (c) low level radioactive material in the most recent year for which figures are available. [20175]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 3 December 2001]This Department does not hold statistical information of this nature.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make it his policy to seek to reduce the number of movements of radioactive material; and what review he has made of the movements of radioactive material since 11 September. [20168]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 3 December 2001]The transport of radioactive material, in support of justified practices, is subject to regulations based on the standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the appropriate modal authorities. These standards are reviewed on a regular basis in order to ensure adequate levels of safety are maintained.

The implications of the events of 11 September on the nuclear industry are under consideration by Government and industry. Transport is included in this exercise.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many(a) flights and (b) shipments were made in the latest year for which figures are available where (a) spent nuclear fuel, (b) nuclear waste, (c) other high level and (d) other intermediate radioactive material was transported between the UK and a foreign country. [20171]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 3 December 2001]This Department does not hold statistical information of this nature.