asked the Minister for Energy if it is proposed to raise the issue of the reported cover-up of the 1957 Windscale accident with the British Prime Minister.
Written Answers. - Windscale Accident.
33.
The information released on 1 January, 1988, about the cover-up of the 1957 fire at Windscale confirms that over the past 30 years the facts relating to a major nuclear incident have been deliberately hidden. In view of the ongoing concealment of information, I can have no confidence in the frequent assurances of the UK nuclear industry and the Government with regard to safety. This underlines my commitment to the need to have an independent nuclear inspectorate, which would ensure that vested interests could not control information relating to nuclear matters.
I intend to continue to raise with the UK Government all matters relating to nuclear safety. Should the events relating to the Windscale fire appear relevant to these issues at anytime I will not hesitate to refer to them.