Atomic Energy Bill [H.L.]

The House acted as a Committee to discuss the clauses of the Bill. Various amendments were suggested in order that the clauses could be debated. Clause 1 raises the capital borrowing limit of British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL). The overspending on the construction of the Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (THORP) was discussed and the speculation that NIREX would propose that radioactive waste should be stored or disposed of on the BNFL Sellafield site was mentioned. The next three clauses are about the Health and Safety Executive's role in nuclear installation licensing in particular its independence, cover for compensation and the effect of a grant of new licenses to existing licensees. The fifth clause concerns the implementation of the Mutual Assistance Convention. The main concern was the failure of the convention to go far enough in allowing the public to be informed about nuclear incidents and their effects. All amendments were withdrawn and the Bill was reported without amendment. The debate lasted about an hour and is reported verbatim. (U.K.)