Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 November 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What environmental impact assessments have been conducted (a) on the storage of separated plutonium at (i) Sellafield and (ii) Dounreay and (b) on the transport of plutonium by air in (x) metal, (y) oxide and (z) nitrate solution forms from and to (1) Carlisle, (2) Wick, (3) Herne and (4) other airports licenced to handle plutonium cargoes.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what environmental impact assessments have been conducted (a) on the storage of separated plutonium at (i) Sellafield and (ii) Dounreay and (b) on the transport of plutonium by air in (x) metal, (y) oxide and (z) nitrate solution forms from and to (1) Carlisle, (2) Wick, (3) Herne and (4) other airports licensed to handle plutonium cargoes. [1817] Mr. Clappison: The plutonium stores at Sellafield and Dounreay were constructed prior to the introduction of the 1985 Council directive on the Assessment of the effects of Certain Public and Private Projects on the Environment (85/337/EEC)--the environmental impact assessment directive. Questions on the transport of radioactive materials are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1817; 284 c461-2W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Aviation Environmental impact assessment Freight Nuclear fuels Nuclear power Radioactive materials Transport Safety Sellafield Dounreay Plutonium