Vol. 430 No. 2
225 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the Government's policy on the Sizewell B Pressurised Water Reactor in Suffolk, England, which is being constructed using parts that have been deemed faulty by Electricité de France, the company in charge of France's PWRs.
I am aware of reports that problems have been encountered in the vessel head and control rod piping contained in some pressurised water reactors (PER) operated by the French electricity utility and that a similar type of reactor is nearing completion at Sizewell in south-east England.
I am aware that before Nuclear Electric plc can operate the PWR at Sizewell, it is required to obtain a licence from the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, N.I.I. which is a part of the UK Health and Safety Executive. The N.I.I. Will only issue such a licence when it is fully satisfied with all safety aspects of the plant. However, in view of the reports and the Government's concern to minimise risks to the Irish population, I have asked my officials to raise the question of the safety of the new plant at an early meeting with the UK authorities.
