Written question asked by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Wednesday, 21 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 June 2003. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Monday, 9 June 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps have been taken by the countries forming the OSPAR Commission to agree a baseline from which to measure whether reductions in radioactive discharges have taken place. - (Holding answer 3 June 2003).

Answer: Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken by the countries forming the OSPAR Commission to agree a baseline from which to measure whether reductions in radioactive discharges have taken place. [116125] Mr. Meacher :[holding answer 3 June 2003]: In 2001, OSPAR's Radioactive Substances Committee set up working groups to recommend baselines for discharges, concentrations and dose. The final reports of the working groups were considered by the Committee at its meeting in February 2003. The Committee has been unable to reach agreement on the discharges baseline. It is expected that the issue will be resolved at the OSPAR Commission meeting in June this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 116125; 406 c583W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Radioactive waste Monitoring Radioactive materials OSPAR Commission
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk