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Windscale

Volume 928: debated on Monday 14 March 1977

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asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will make a statement on the action he is taking to end the industrial dispute at Windscale; and what discussions he has had with British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. and the Atomic Energy Authority on the adverse effects of the dispute;(2) what effect the industrial dispute at Windscale is having on fuel reprocessing and other activity; if he is satisfied that essential materials are reaching the plant to ensure continuing safety; what effect the dispute has had on overseas contracts; and what effect the continuation of the dispute will have on power output at United Kingdom nuclear power stations.

A basis for settling this dispute has now been agreed between the management and unions, and work at the site is being resumed. Production on the site ceased during the dispute but safety was maintained. I understand there has so far been no question of any overseas business having been prejudiced. Output from commercial nuclear power stations was not affected.