Vol. 427 No. 8
191 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has contacted his EC counterparts to make representations to the appropriate authorities regarding two nuclear power stations which are active on the site of the shut down Chernobyl plant; his views on whether this is an appropriate situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of improving the safety of nuclear installations in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, including Chernobyl, is being co-ordinated at Community level by the EC Commission. The Commission and all member states are concerned about the dangerous state of Soviet-designed reactors and major technical assistance programmes to address immediate operational safety and technical improvement measures have been put in place. A multilateral programme by the major economic powers (The G.7) has also been established following the Munich Economic Summit to enhance the safety of such reactors.
It is clear that certain Soviet-designed reactors, particularly the RBMK type at Chernobyl, are high-risk and should be shut down. They are being operated at present to supply critical electricity needs. I understand that the Ukranian Parliament has recently taken a decision to shut down the remaining operating units at Chernobyl. Replacement electricity stations are coming on stream this year. Keeping unsafe stations in operation until replaced is not ideal but it is moving in the right direction.
This country has consistently supported the positive action of the Commission and member states both at political and official level.
