To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had from foreign Governments and parliamentarians concerning the environmental implications of opening the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield.

The Irish Government have formally responded to the chief inspector of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's public consultation on the proposed draft authorisations for the Sellafield site including THORP. There have also been representations from Scandinavian parliamentarians.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations have been received since November 1992 by Her Majesty's Government from (a) the Government, (b) citizens and (c) non-governmental organisations of the Irish Republic regarding the plans to open the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield.

In total, 83,000 responses were received including a response from the Government of the Irish Republic. A breakdown of the responses as requested by the hon. Member is not available.