The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Room 609 Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR

Re: Application by DML to increase the amount of radioactive waste discharged from Devonport Dockyard.

Dear Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP,

The 5th March 2000 saw the start of the three month public consultation process by the Environment Agency, following the application by Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited to revise its authorisations under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 to dispose of radioactive wastes from the Devonport Royal Dockyard. The consultation period will end on the 4th June when the Agency will make its decision on whether they feel the revision of authorisations should take place. I do not feel that in this circumstance the Agency should be the ones making this decision.

In the light of the serious nature and sensitivity of this proposal, the known hazard presented by radiation and the fact that the Dockyard is very close to the centre of Plymouth and residential areas, I would like to request that this case becomes the subject of a Public Inquiry.

There is too much mistrust and the debate is far too complex for a public consultation to fully address the arising issues. DML are proposing very significant increases in discharges of what they consider to be low hazard radionuclides (e.g. tritium by 700%). There is much emerging scientific evidence to suggest that the risks presented by this low level radiation are far greater than is officially recognised and therefore the biohazard presented is far more significant than the general public are being led to believe.

It is vital that a Public Inquiry takes place in order that both the general public and DML are given fair and equal representation, with experts from both sides being called to give facts and figures to support any claims. Only once there has been a fair and balanced Inquiry will the public be able to rest assured that the decision made is based on sound and truthful information.

As Secretary of State for the Environment, I am asking you to do everything in your power to ensure that this issue is fully and openly explored before any decisions are made. The only way to do this is via a Public Inquiry.

Yours sincerely,