Strasbourg, 17/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - The question of irregularities in the presentation of the results of safety controls at the Sellafield nuclear power plant (safety warnings being made for years by MEPs, mainly Irish), was discussed during the night session. The vice-president of the Committee on Industry, Irish Green member Nuala Ahern, put questions to the Commission on how true the conclusions of Euratom inspectors were concerning the demonstration site MOX in Sellafield. Ms Ahern demanded minimum harmonised safety standards at European level, as did British Labour member McNally and Liberal Watson. Other MEPs felt that, even if the results of controls had been falsified, this did not have any impact on the safety of the installation.
This last position is shared by the European Commission: Ms Walström affirmed that the Euratom inspectors correctly fulfilled their inspections, on the weight of mixed oxide fuel pellets, and not on the diameter, which would not have any effect on safety. But it is undeniable that irregularity in this field did entail a loss of consumer confidence. Ms Walström thinks, however, that harmonisation is not the best road to follow. In addition, there should be unanimity within the Council, on the basis of the lowest common denominator.