HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 c590W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with(a) the nuclear industry and (b) other departments regarding the safe disposal of nuclear waste. [74593]

Mr. Meacher

In a letter sent to all MPs on 29 July, my right hon. Friend, announced the results of the recent consultation on radioactive waste management and set out the next steps of the programme, including a review of all management options for intermediate and high level waste.

With this in mind, the Department plans to continue its frequent meetings with relevant stakeholders and interested parties, including the NGO's, technical and scientific experts, public engagement specialists and industry representatives, to discuss the issues at hand. This continual input, together with the information gathered from the four research projects that were run during the consultation period (which all involved a wide range of contacts, including stakeholders and the general public), should help formulate a successful programme.

The Department is also in daily contact with other Government Departments and the devolved administrations on this issue.