I am aware of the incident referred to, which occurred in May 2002. I understand from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), which was informed at the time by the UK Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII), that the incident involved mechanical vibration of a gas circulator that circulates the reactor coolant. This resulted in major damage to the circulator and in one reactor being shut down. The other reactor was also shut down before any major damage occurred.
According to the RPII, the NII is satisfied that there are adequate back-up systems to ensure reactor cooling. The RPII has also advised me that, with regard to this type of reactor, which is of the advanced gas cooled variety, even if a loss of cooling were to occur, there would be more time available to restore cooling before reactor core overheating started, than in the case of a water cooled reactor. The RPII understanding from the NII is that at no time did the incident compromise safety. I understand from the RPII that the reactors at the facility in question remain shut down and will not be allowed to reopen until the NII is satisfied that it is safe to do so. The RPII will be maintaining close contact with the NII in this matter.
Incidents such as that at Torness underline the risks and dangers associated with nuclear energy. The UK Government is fully aware of the concerns of the Irish Government about the UK nuclear energy industry, including the operations at Sellafield. We have pointed out regularly that the risks and unresolved problems associated with the nuclear energy industry, when added to the high research and capital costs, including decommissioning costs, as well as continued additional safety and security costs, mean that nuclear energy is not sustainable. The significant recorded losses of British Nuclear Fuels and the financial situation at British Energy underscore the Irish Government's position in this regard.