Liberal Democrats in Business

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BNFL Report Must Be Withdrawn

12.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Feb 2004

A DTI document, which recommends proposals that would earn British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) hundreds of millions of pounds for storing foreign nuclear waste in Britain, was drafted by a consultancy company that also earns fees from BNFL.

Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, has called for the document to be withdrawn.

Mr Baker said: "Instead of regulating the nuclear industry, the Government is being driven by it."

"The links between the consultants and BNFL have totally compromised the process. If the DTI is independent it should withdraw these proposals and commission a new study from an independent body."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • The DTI document can be found at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/nuclearcleanup/pdfs/radioactivewaste.pdf>

  • According to The Independent, 3rd February 2004, the company that drafted the proposals, NAC International, also earns fees from BNFL.

  • The Independent also reveals that the lead author of the document, Geoff Varley, was an employee of BNFL for 13 years between 1975 and 1988

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