§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish his Green Paper on radioactive waste management; and if he will make a statement on the terms of reference of the Green Paper. [130865]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 20 July 2000]I expect the consultation paper on the management of radioactive waste to be published in the autumn. It will be the first step of an open and transparent approach that must characterise the radioactive waste management policy debate in the future.
The main aim of the consultation paper will be to explore how to involve the public, and groups that represent the public, in that debate.
The scope of the consultation paper will be as comprehensive as possible and will address issues associated with radioactive materials, such as plutonium, currently outside the scope of existing policy.