Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 June 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 23 June 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Radioactive Waste Management

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the responsibilities of (a) the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, (b) Nirex and (c) nuclear power generators for identifying long-term options for dealing with (i) high level and (ii) intermediate level radioactive material.

Answer: [holding answer 20 June 2005]: The independent Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) has been set up under the ““Managing Radioactive Waste Safely”” programme to oversee a review of options for managing the UK's higher activity radioactive waste, and to recommend the option, or combination of options, that can provide a long-term solution, providing protection for people and the environment. CoRWM is due to deliver its recommendations by July 2006. UK Government and the devolved administrations will then decide policy and its means of delivery in light of CoRWM's recommendations. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Nirex and the nuclear power generators are all free, along with others, to input their views and supporting material to the CoRWM option assessment process.The role of the NDA is set out in the Energy Act 2004. It's purpose is to oversee and manage the decommissioning and clean-up of the UK's civil public sector nuclear legacy. Nirex's mission is"““in support of Government policy, develop and advise on safe, environmentally sound and publicly acceptable options for the long-term management of radioactive materials in the UK””."The owners of radioactive waste are obliged to make suitable arrangements for the management of their waste, according to Government policy and regulatory requirements.

Secondary information