asked the Minister for Energy whether his Department's plans to put in place a co-ordinated emergency plan for dealing with an accidental release of radioactivity are proceeding according to schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Nuclear Incident Plans.
31.
Both the institutional arrangements and allotment of responsibilities for dealing with a nuclear incident under the aegis of a nuclear accident committee and the purchase and commissioning of a variety of equipment for monitoring and measuring radioactivity, communications equipment etc. are progressing satisfactorily. The plan document, approved and tested in 1988, is being revised in the light of the test experience and will be brought forward for final approval shortly.
A three year programme for equipment has been agreed; the 1988 phase was completed on time and I have no reason to expect otherwise in 1989. We are already far better equipped and prepared to deal with a radiological accident than we were at any time in the past and the way in which the plan has been phased ensures that, even before all the elements are in place, a quick response and coherent approach to any radiological emergency are possible.