HC Deb 26 November 2001 vol 375 cc683-4W
Mr. Weir

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate has set up a special group to look at the question of security at nuclear power stations and nuclear installations following the events of 11 September. [16803]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 22 November 2001]: My officials have consulted the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate as the safety regulator, and are working closely with the industry to review safety and security at civil nuclear facilities in the light of the attacks in the United States on 11 September.

Mr. Weir

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate have received in relation to security at nuclear installations following the events of 11 September. [16802]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 22 November 2001]: Security at licensed nuclear sites is regulated by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security, the independent security regulator within the Department. The Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate is the independent nuclear safety regulator. All inquiries to Government organisations relating to security at nuclear installations are referred to the DTI. My officials and I have received a number of representations from hon. Members on behalf of their constituents, from the public, and from the nuclear industry in relation to security at nuclear installations.

Mr. Weir

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she has instructed the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to consider the security at nuclear installations following the incidents on 11 September. [16797]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 22 November 2001]: Ensuring UK civil nuclear installations comply with security regulations is the responsibility of the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the security regulators. OCNS works closely with the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII), the safety regulator. Both regulators are working together to review all relevant precautions in the light of the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September.