U.K. Government Nuclear-Power Inquiry `Failed,' Academics Say

[jpak]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aAxjVNQrbb8g&refer=uk

Jan. 4 (Bloomberg) -- A U.K. government inquiry into whether the state should back the construction of new nuclear power stations ``failed'' because it obscured or overlooked some issues, a group of academics said.

``The key assumptions underpinning the government's approach to the 2007 nuclear consultation remain open to critical analysis,'' the group said in a report published today on its Web site. The report's contributors, led by Warwick University's Paul Dorfman, are `` concerned that these framing assumptions were designed to provide particular and limited answers.''

A High Court ruling in February last year found that ministers hadn't provided enough information on the disposal of radioactive waste and the cost of new plants when they favored nuclear power, forcing the government to conduct another review. The ministry responsible for business may publish the findings of that consultation process next week.

Environmental group Greenpeace, which brought the case, is preparing for another potential legal challenge. ``Our lawyers are looking at this report and will also examine the government's decision on new nuclear build with great interest,'' it said today in an e-mailed statement.

<more>