§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what emergency measures are in place to deal with a release of radioactive material from the nuclear facilities at Dungeness. [84745]
§ Mr. WilsonThere are well tried and tested emergency plans to deal with a release of radioactive material from Dungeness nuclear facilities. These plans are maintained under the license condition arrangements for all such sites and have been reviewed and tested at regular intervals over many years. The revised off-site emergency plan, prepared by Kent county council in consultation with the emergency services and power stations, has just been published in accordance with the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001. The plan covers procedures, facilities and equipment. The last off-site emergency exercise for Dungeness was the major national exercise for 2001–02, and took place on 27 March 2002. It involved relevant local and national agencies.