Vol. 402 No. 9
47 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Energy the representations, if any, which he has made to the German Government in regard to the agreement for the reprocessing of German nuclear waste at Sellafield; and if he will outline the response he has received.
In July last year. I made protests to the UK and German authorities in regard to the plans to reprocess German nuclear waste at the THORP plant under construction at Sellafield. It was pointed out to the German authorities that they had abandoned the completion of a reprocessing plant in Germany because of environmental concerns, and that it is not acceptable to us for them to transfer the problems associated with reprocessing close to Ireland. The increased transport of spent and reprocessed fuel and waste through the Irish Sea, with the attendant increased risk of accidents, is of particular concern.
In April this year, when the first contract with a German firm was signed, I issued a strong statement condemning the move. It was also raised at the council meeting of EC Energy Ministers which I chaired on 21 May.
Whilst my protests have been noted, regrettably, I have had no indication of any change of attitude in the matter.
