Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 December 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 December 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What progress has been made in the attempts by the Environment Agency, as a successor to HMIP, to secure the release of the safety reports relating to the proposed subterranean repository for radioactive waste near Sellafield; and if he will comment on the current working relationship between Nirex and the Environment Agency.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the attempts by the Environment Agency, as a successor to Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, to secure the release of the safety reports relating to the proposed subterranean repository for radioactive waste near Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the current working relationship between Nirex and the Environment Agency. [8610] Mr. Clappison: Following my written answer to the hon. Member on 11 November, Official Report column 3 UK Nirex Ltd. has provided the Library with a list of its research reports. Until Nirex applies to the Environment Agency for authorisation under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 to dispose of radioactive waste, there is no formal regulatory relationship between the company and the Environment Agency. However, discussions are currently taking place between the two organisations about their future working arrangements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8610; 287 c304W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Environment Agency Nuclear power Radioactive materials Safety United Kingdom NIREX Research Waste disposal Sellafield