HL Deb 22 April 1986 vol 473 c1148WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to take any action in the light of the following findings of an NOP poll published in the Observer, 30th March 1986:

  1. (i) 70 per cent. of those interviewed believe that Sellafield is unsafe;
  2. (ii) 17 per cent. of those polled believe assurances given by the Secretary of State for Energy;
  3. (iii) 11 per cent. of those polled believe that they should build more nuclear power stations; and
  4. (iv) four out of five of those questioned opposed plans for Sellafield.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)

The poll illustrates the degree to which recent incidents have been exaggerated out of all proportion to the real risks to the health and safety of the public.

The Government will continue to place on record the full facts about nuclear energy, and its outstanding safety record, in order to ensure that these relatively minor incidents are kept in proper perspective. Nuclear energy remains clean, safe and cost effective.