91996E1259

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1259/96 by W.G. van Velzen (PPE) to the Commission (24 May 1996)

Subject: Scaling of the high-flux reactor in Petten

1. Are you aware of the scaling of the high-flux reactor (HFR) in Petten on 26 April 1996 by Greenpeace?

2. In the light of the previous action by Dutch marines at the HFR, has the Commission decided to undertake a thorough overhaul of security? Have these measures now been taken?

3. Do you believe that the Greenpeace demonstration shows that the security at the HFR in inadequate?

4. What action will the Commission take to prevent a repetition?

5. Has an integrated security plan been drawn up for the HFR to cope with all eventualities?

6. How is the Commission going to overcome the shock to public opinion caused by the lax security at the HFR?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (1 July 1996)

1. Yes.

2. Yes.

3. No. The security measures are directed against all possible incidents concerning unauthorized interference with plant processes, materials and equipment. The internal Joint research centre (JRC) Petten security measures are fully in agreement with the measures to be taken by the Dutch police in case of alarm, and the response by the guards or police is dependent on the nature and gravity of the incident.

From the beginning of the Greenpeace incident the security measures worked in accordance with established procedures. There was no question of unauthorized interference with plant processes, materials or equipment, and the response by the police was in accordance with the nature and gravity of the incident.

4. The Commission is reviewing the incident and security measures with the Dutch authorities. If necessary, relevant decisions will be jointly taken but, as the Honourable Member is aware, such decisions have to be kept strictly confidential.

5. Yes.

6. The Commission invites the Honourable Member to take note of its answer to the Written Question P-1169/96 by Mrs Plooij-Van Gorsel ((OJ C 322, 28.10.1996, p.37. )). Furthermore, the Commission is not aware of a decreased confidence in public opinion concerning the security of the high flux reactor (HFR). The Commission continues to promote the HFR together with the other organizations with nuclear facilities in the Petten dunes, in particular in the field of nuclear medical applications.