Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Richard Page (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: How many tonnes of oxide spent nuclear fuel have been (a) sheared and dissolved and (b) reprocessed in the thermal oxide reprocessing plant since March 1994; what reports on the operational process at THORP are provided to his Department by British Nuclear Fuels; and what restrictions are placed on the disclosure of operational details of THORP at Sellafield.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many tonnes of oxide spent nuclear fuel have been (a) sheared and dissolved and (b) reprocessed in the thermal oxide reprocessing plant since March 1994; what reports on the operational process at THORP are provided to his Department by British Nuclear Fuels; and what restrictions are placed on the disclosure of operational details of THORP at Sellafield. [20455] Mr. Richard Page: BNFL recently stated that since March 1994 approximately 680 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel has been successfully sheared and dissolved and that by the end of March this year it is expected that the same amount will have been reprocessed. The disclosure of operational details are a matter for BNFL subject to meeting the relevant regulatory requirements. My Department maintains regular contact with the company on a range of issues, including THORP.

Secondary information