Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 5 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 September 2003. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 15 September 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, if she will undertake an assessment of safety at nuclear power stations following the recent heatwave; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will undertake an assessment of safety at nuclear power stations following the recent heatwave; and if she will make a statement. [128769] Mr. Timms: No. Assessment of safety of UK nuclear installations is for the operators licensed by the safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Since all the UK nuclear stations that were operating during the heatwave depend on sea water, not river water for their cooling, the rise in the temperature of the cooling water remained well within the limits allowed by the various plant safety cases. HSE maintained regulatory vigilance during this period and was satisfied that safety case limits were not threatened by the hot weather.

Secondary information