Vol. 415 No. 8
203 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline, (1) the discussions which have been taking place at European Community level for a code of practice in respect of the dumping of radio-active waste, (2) the proposals, if any, which have emerged for the purpose of providing guidelines to states for the development and harmonisation of the international cross-border movement of radio-active waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An EC Plan of Action in the field of radio-active waste management has been in operation since 1980. Arising from the plan and the work of various international organisations in this field, a large number of legal and administrative recommendations and requirements have been introduced by individual member states in respect of radio-active waste disposal. As a result, different measures apply from one EC country to another.
The EC Commission has recently concluded that a new plan should now be adopted to cover the period 1993 to 1999. A principal objective of the plan would be the harmonisation at Community level of radio-active waste management strategies and practices, wherever possible. The Commission has prepared proposals in this regard and my Department will fully participate in the definition and implementation of the plan.
I would also point out that under Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, member states are required at present to provide the EC Commission with details of their national plans for the disposal of radio-active waste. The Commission, after consultation with member states, will then determine whether or not the implementation of such plans poses any threat of radio active contamination in another member state.
On the question of the international cross-border movement of radio-active waste, a Council Directive was recently adopted which provides for comprehensive Community rules to make transfrontier movements of nuclear waste subject to a system of strict control and authorisation from their point of origin to their point of storage. Member states must implement this directive not later than 1 January 1994.
