Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 16 April 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 April 2007. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 April 2007 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Radioactive Wastes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to consult on new radioactive waste arisings should the approval be given for new build of nuclear power plants.

Answer: The Department plans to launch a consultation in May on the future role of nuclear power. This will include consideration of a full range of issues around potential new build including the impact of new build on waste management and decommissioning.The Government plan to launch a further consultation in the summer as part of the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely programme, which will consider all the issues relevant to implementation of geological disposal. This consultation will discuss the potential changes to the current waste inventory that would arise as a result of any new build.

Secondary information