HL Deb 02 July 2004 vol 663 c54WA
Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What legislation applies to the disposal of bulk depleted uranium; and who is responsible for ensuring compliance; and [HL3449]

Whether the national waste inventory accurately reflects the potential waste disposal commitment for depleted uranium in the United Kingdom. [HL3450]

Lord Whitty:

Most depleted uranium derives from spent fuel used in nuclear power stations. Most of this depleted uranium is held as a national resource for potential re-enrichment and re-use in fuel and is safely stored at nuclear licensed sites regulated by the Health and Safety Executive. Depleted uranium which has been declared as waste is included in the inventory and is among the material on which the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) has been asked to make recommendations about long-term management. Waste depleted uranium is covered by the provisions of the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and the storage or disposal of such material is regulated by the Environment Agency in England and Wales.