The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Energy Bill [Lords]
10:00 am
Mr Stephen Timms (Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness), Department of Trade and Industry; East Ham, Labour)
As the hon. Lady said, we will consider that issue in a moment. There is devolution to Scotland on these matters, which must be reflected in the Bill and in the way that the arrangements are made.
The relationship with Nirex was raised. We are still considering its future, and the review is not yet complete. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced in July that Nirex would be made independent of industry and subject to greater Government control. We are considering the means of securing that objective, and we will announce the outcome of the review as soon as it has been completed.
The NDA will carry out the responsibility for directing the work of its site operators; it could also be given responsibility for constructing and operating disposal facilities. It will be responsible for dealing with hazardous material at its sites—treating, storing, transporting or disposing of low, intermediate and high-level waste. That involves the full range of material, as my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown suggested. The Bill provides for the NDA to be given responsibility in designated circumstances for dealing with hazardous material not at its sites. It will set out its plans for waste management in its five-year strategy and annual work plans.
I am pleased that the establishment of the NDA has been welcomed. It is a good step forward in dealing with a big problem that will have to be dealt with for many decades, and we shall consider the details in a moment. I commend the clause to the Committee.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 4 ordered to stand part of the Bill.