Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 5 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how much has been allocated to the insurance liability fund set aside to underwrite accidents at United Kingdom nuclear facilities; and what steps have been taken to increase the amount of compensation available under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been allocated to the insurance liability fund set aside to underwrite accidents at United Kingdom nuclear facilities; and what steps have been taken to increase the amount of compensation available under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965. [151601] Mr. Hain: There is no specific insurance liability fund set aside by the Treasury. Under UK legislation, implementing the Paris and Brussels conventions on third-party liability in the field of nuclear energy, it is the duty of the operator of a nuclear installation to maintain insurance cover of £140 million per accident. In the event of a nuclear accident causing damage exceeding this amount, public funds would be made available, at present up to a guaranteed amount of 300 million special drawing rights (approx £300 million). Parliament may vote additional funds. Proposals currently under consideration as part of the negotiations to revise the Paris and Brussels conventions would significantly increase the amount of guaranteed compensation provided.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 151601; 364 c42-3W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Accidents Liability Insurance Government assistance Nuclear power stations
Legislation: Nuclear Installations Act 1965
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk