Reactor Fuel (Shipping)

Mr. Carmichael
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether (a) former roll-on-roll-off ferries and (b) other single-hulled, single-engine vessels have been used to transport mixed-oxide reactor fuel in British waters (i) since 1997 and (ii) in the last 30 years.

Dr. Ladyman
The transportation of mixed oxide reactor fuels is a commercial matter for the suppliers, carriers and owners of the material.

All vessels used to transport mixed-oxide reactor fuel must be certified as complying with the International Code for such cargoes known as the INF Code, before they are able to be used for such purposes.

The criteria needed to be met by the INF Code vessels are stringent and include comprehensive certification, robust damage stability, enhanced fire safety measures, strict management and training of crew and a competent and well tested shipboard emergency plan.

Mr. Carmichael
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much mixed oxide reactor fuel has passed through British waters in each year since 1997; and from which countries it has come.

Dr. Ladyman
The amounts of mixed-oxide reactor fuels on board ships is a commercial matter for the suppliers, carriers and owners of the material.

Mr. Carmichael
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his maritime pollution contingency plans include how to respond to an accident involving a vessel transporting nuclear fuel.

Dr. Ladyman
The National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations does indeed cover incidents involving a ship carrying radioactive materials.

Mr. Carmichael
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes are planned to the way in which mixed oxide reactor fuel is transported in British waters.

Dr. Ladyman
The transport of mixed-oxide reactor fuel is in accordance with a comprehensive framework of international regulations and agreements which are reflected in national legislation to ensure that the levels of safety provided by the equipment and its operation meet certain stringent requirements. The UK will continue to meet its obligations to implement the latest edition of these international regulations and agreements.

As part of our continuing assessment of the radiological consequences of transporting radioactive material by sea, studies are carried approximately every 10 years. We will be commissioning the next study within the next three months. Should the findings of this study require changes to the international regulations or agreements, the UK Government will propose those changes by established processes, including consultation with industry and environmental stakeholders.