RE:     Copy of: MOX consultation

PRESS RELEASE 14th JANUARY 1998

CND WELCOMES PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON BNFL PLUTONIUM FUEL PLANT   


Following pressure from CND and other environmental and peace groups, the
Environment Agency today announced a further round of consultation on
whether BNFL should get the go-ahead to start operating a new plutonium
fuel production plant at Sellafield.

The plant is designed to produce MOX (mixed oxide) fuel, which is a
combination of plutonium and uranium, for use in nuclear reactors.  There
is no UK market for MOX.  BNFL has been trying to secure contracts for this
fuel in Japan and Europe, but refuses to give any details.

While welcoming the new round of public consultation by the Environment 
Agency, CND is concerned that it will only examine the economic case for
producing and selling MOX.

CND opposes the development of a trade in MOX fuel on security and
environmental grounds, in particular:

The risk of nuclear proliferation being exacerbated through the increased
circulation of plutonium around the world;
The potential hazards associated with plutonium transportation;
Lack of information from BNFL about how the highly radioactive spent MOX
fuel will be dealt with.

"Plutonium is one of the most hazardous substances known to humanity and a
key ingredient in nuclear bombs.  We believe that the British Government
should be promoting the immobilisation (virtification) and safe storage of
plutonium and not allowing BNFL to make a quick buck by flogging it in the
form of MOX fuel", said CND Chair Dave Knight.

He continued, "We urge the Government to undertake a wider review of the
MOX plant that takes into account these environmental and security issues. 
They must also look beyond the MOX question and develop a coherent and
rational policy for dealing with the growing stockpile of plutonium at
Sellafield".

                                                        ENDS


NB: Submissions to the consultation process should be sent to Ms A
Hajnrych, the Environment Agency (MOX), PO BOX 33, Mitre House, Church
Street, Lancaster LA1 1BG by the 26th March.  If you want to study the
'independent' assessment of MOX done by PA Consulting Group, ask for one to
be posted to you from the Environment  Agency's Office in London (tel:
01454 624400; fax: 0171 582 8240; they may put information on their web
site at  www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

This consultation process offers us all the opportunity to influence
Government decision-making on nuclear developments at a crucial time for
the industry and campaigning groups alike.  If we can prevent the MOX plant
being commissioned, then it will follow that reprocessing will have to be
reviewed along with the Achilles' heel of waste management.  Please do not
pass the opportunity over.


Regards,

        Nigel 
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