asked Her Majesty's Government:

Under what conditions they would allow the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield to reopen. [HL714]

A decision on whether to reopen the thermal oxide reprocessing plant (thorp) rests with the board of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) will issue a consent to allow thorp to reopen when satisfied that British Nuclear Group Sellafield Ltd (BNGSL) has done all the work necessary to ensure it can be restarted safely. This will include satisfactorily clearing all the NII's recommendations arising from its investigation of the incident in April 2005 and completing any plant modifications necessary to ensure safety.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the cost of the accident at the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield in April 2005. [HL715]

The costs associated with the temporary closure of the thermal oxide reprocessing plant (thorp) due to the incident in April 2005 are subject to an insurance claim by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The costs therefore cannot be disclosed at this time.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consult the Government of Norway about the proposed reopening of the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield. [HL716]

The decision on reopening the thermal oxide reprocessing plant (thorp) is a matter for the board of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, the site operator British Nuclear Group Sellafield Ltd, and the Health and Safety Executive’s Nuclear Installations Inspectorate. The Government of Norway will not be consulted on the decision.