HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 cc709-10W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many movements of spent nuclear fuel occurred in each year from 1997(a) by air within UK airspace, (b) by sea within UK waters, (c) by rail and (d) by road. [73946]

Mr. Jamieson

This Department does not hold statistical information of the type requested.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rules are in place to govern the safe transfer of nuclear waste between countries. [74594]

Mr. Jamieson

The rules covering sea and air transport of radioactive material are, respectively, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (Amendment 30–00) produced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, 2001–2002 Edition, produced by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Within Europe, international road transport is covered by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), 2001 Edition, produced by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Similarly, rail transport is covered by the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) Appendix B. Uniform Rules concerning the Contract for International Carriage of Goods by Rail (CIM) Annex 1 Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID), 2001 Edition.

All rules for the safe transport of radioactive materials are based on the Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (the latest version being the 1996 Edition (revised)).