Seán Ryan
Question:65 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Energy whether he has had any discussion with the British Environment Secretary on the environmental effects of the BNFL plant at Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Sellafield Plant.
The Government's concerns about the environmental effects of the BNFL plant at Sellafield have been repeatedly conveyed to the British authorities and I have been in direct communication with the UK Secretary of State for the Environment on this very important issue.
At EC level, our uneasiness about nuclear safety has been raised at every opportunity by myself and my colleagues in Government. At the Energy Council of 29 October 1991, attended by all the Community Energy Ministers, I pointed out that my concerns were exacerbated by the absence of any move in the direction of independent verification and inspection of nuclear installations which I and my predecessors have been advocating under Article 35 of the Euratom Treaty. I have also put our view on two separate occasions to the European Parliament.