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Mr. Michael Forsyth : We have recently received written representations from Citizens Advice Scotland and West Lothian district council in support of the scheme.

Dounreay

Mr. Flynn : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on environmental restoration work carried out at the nuclear power development establishment at Dounreay on radioactive waste seepage from the low-activity waste pits since 1985.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 15 January 1992] : No seepage of liquid containing radioactivity is known to occur from the low activity waste pits and no environmental restoration work is proposed. Leachate from the radioactive waste disposal pits at Dounreay is collected from the pit drainage system and sampled on a regular basis of radioactivity. The leachate is then pumped to the main effluents tanks from where it is discharged to the sea along with other liquid effluents in accordance with the site authorisation.

Mr. Flynn : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will evaluate the requirement for a programme to renovate the shallow-level radioactive waste disposal pits at the nuclear power development establishment at Dounreay along the lines of the restoration work done at similar disposal trenches at Drigg in Cumbria.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 15 January 1992] : There is no evidence to suggest that remedial or additional restoration work is required on the four filled pits, or the two pits currently in use.

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Column 649

Coastguards

Mrs. Ray Michie : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of coastguards at each station in Scotland and the number for each year since 1979 ; and if he will make a statement on the future of this service.

Mr. McLoughlin [holding answer 15 January 1992] : I have been asked to reply.

The answer to the hon. Member's question with regard to lists of numbers of coastguards at each station in Scotland for each year since 1979 can only be obtained at excessive cost.

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Column 650

Her Majesty's coastguard will continue to co -ordinate civil maritime search and rescue from the current 21 maritime rescue co-ordination centres and sub-centres for the foreseeable future, including seven in Scotland. Support will continue to be provided by local sector and auxiliary coastguard stations whose effectiveness and efficiency will be enhanced by the formation of 68 additional auxiliary companies at new locations around the coast, including 33 in Scotland. Numbers of pagers and portable radios are being doubled, and improvements in the remuneration, equipment and training of the auxiliary coastguard service are to be made.

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