Written question asked by Lord Bellingham (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 November 2003. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 13 November 2003 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, what assessment she has made of the implications for safety of industrial action at BNFL's Sellafield nuclear site.

Answer: Mr. Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the implications for safety of industrial action at BNFL's Sellafield nuclear site. [137612] Mr. Timms: The Department is in regular contact with HSE's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII), the regulator of safety at licensed nuclear sites, regarding safety issues during the proposed industrial action at Sellafield. The site operator and the trade unions have given clear commitments to ensure safety is not prejudiced by any industrial action. NII have reviewed BNFL's contingency arrangements and are satisfied that they provide an adequate framework for safety cover. An enhanced team of NII Inspectors will be on site during normal working hours and will be carrying out safety related inspections during the strike in key areas to ensure minimum manning is in place and that contingency plans are followed. BNFL's risk assessments are also being examined to ensure adequate provisions are in place. Standby emergency response arrangements will remain unaffected.

Secondary information