Nuclear Waste

Dr. Thomas
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much is being spent by Nirex in the current financial year on research into the safe disposal of nuclear waste; and how much money is being spent (a) in the United States and (b) Sweden on similar work in this financial year.

Mr. Trippier
I understand that Nirex's estimated expenditure for this financial year on research and development work towards a deep disposal facility for low and intermediate-level radioactive waste is £13·9 million. The Department does not have any information about expenditure on such research in the United States or Sweden.