asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the minimum requirement for modern nuclear power station design in terms of ability to withstand earthquake shock; and what size shock the latest tests show that Hinkley Point could withstand.
[pursuant to his reply, 12 March 1987, c.
281]: New nuclear stations are designed to be safely shut down following a seismic event that has a frequency of occurrence of about once in 10,000 years.
The CEGB has a continuing programme of extensive seismic assessment of its existing installations; and the indications are that magnox stations such as that at Hinkley Point have substantial resistance to earthquakes.
The NII is actively discussing these matters with the CEGB and findings will be published when the long-term reviews of magnox stations are concluded.