The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced that environment minister Michael Meacher has published a paper inviting comments on a number of radwaste issues. DEFRA aim to involve as many people as possible “in the debate on how radioactive waste should be managed over the coming centuries.” This initial six-month public consultation will be followed by four further stages: research and public debate, to examine the different waste management options and recommend the best option (2002-2004); further consultation seeking public views on the proposed option (2005); announcement on the chosen option, seeking public views on how this should be implemented (2006); finally, legislation is planned in 2007.
