Published at 16:42, Monday, 29 October 2012

GEOLOGY experts are being asked to meet with MPs to set out the suitability of West Cumbria to house an underground nuclear waste repository.

SUPPORTER: Copeland MP Jamie Reed

All Cumbrian MPs have got together to arrange the meeting, which is expected next month.

Professors Smythe and Hazseldine from the University of Edinburgh will talk about their findings on the geology and suitability of West Cumbria, along with the CEO of the Nuclear Industries Association.

Cumbria County Council and Copeland and Allerdale councils were due to make a decision on whether to look for a potential site in West Cumbria.

Two weeks ago they announced there would be a three-month delay, to allow issues to be thrashed out with government.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed said: “As someone who has a detailed knowledge of these issues stretching over 15 years, it’s essential that these issues are subject to an informed debate.

“As a great deal of unscientific scaremongering is likely to continue – much of it funded from outside of Cumbria and certainly from outside Copeland – then we have a responsibility to make sure that all of the credible individuals, agencies and government departments with an interest in this issue can air their expert views.

“The greater the issues are understood, the more the myths are dispelled and this is clearly better for everyone.

“Clearly this process has no official or binding implications whatsoever, but it will usefully allow the issues to be aired. If this is done honestly, then I’m sure all Cumbrian MPs will join me in ensuring that the nuclear industry in West Cumbria will provide the growth that the Cumbrian economy badly needs.”

South Lakes MP Tim Farron and Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart say large numbers of constituents, both in favour of and against the dump have contacted them.

Mr Farron added: “Storing nuclear waste in our county that will remain dangerous for tens of thousands of years is a very big risk and one that Cumbrians shouldn’t take lightly.

“ I have been contacted by people on both sides of the debate and I am keen that we make a wise choice for the future of our county.

“It is vital that we listen to experts in this field on both sides of the debate to hold them to account and ensure that government makes a decision on the basis of balanced evidence, using the full facts.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk